What we’re about
Welcome to Central London Humanists!
CLH provides a meeting place for humanists, the secular, and other non-religious people, particularly those who live or work in the central London area of the UK.
Every month we hold a talk/lecture and several social events. Our social activities include group socials, a book group, picnics, walks, museum & cultural visits and theatre trips.
If you're not religious, or doubting your faith or belief and like open-minded communities, and would like to meet like minded people, come along and join us!
As we don't have a membership fee, a donation of £3 is suggested at each meeting. This goes towards our running costs, partnership fees and charitable donations. If it's your first time, we don't expect a donation.
We are a partner group of Humanists UK.
We are an Associate Member of Humanists International.
We're also on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Some of our previous talks are available on YouTube.
Anyone who joins us on Meetup can participate fully in events. They can suggest events, participate in organising events and much more.
As we are such a large group, each year we hold an AGM and elect a committee to help manage the group. To be a voting member of Central London Humanists, or to be a member of the committee, you must be a paid up member of Humanists UK (to join go here).
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- CLH Book Group 📚 The Unaccountability Machine by Dan DaviesRoyal Festival Hall, London
August's Book: The Unaccountability Machine: Why Big Systems Make Terrible Decisions - and How The World Lost its Mind by Dan Davies
'A corporation, or a government department isn't a conscious being, but it is an artificial intelligence. It has the capability to take decisions which are completely distinct from the intentions of any of the people who compose it. And under stressful conditions, it can go stark raving mad.'
When we avoid taking a decision, what happens to it? In The Unaccountability Machine, Dan Davies examines why markets, institutions and even governments systematically generate outcomes that everyone involved claims not to want. He casts new light on the writing of Stafford Beer, a legendary economist who argued in the 1950s that we should regard organisations as artificial intelligences, capable of taking decisions that are distinct from the intentions of their members.
Management cybernetics was Beer's science of applying self-regulation in organisational settings, but it was largely ignored - with the result being the political and economic crises that that we see today. With his signature blend of cynicism and journalistic rigour, Davies looks at what's gone wrong, and what might have been, had the world listened to Stafford Beer when it had the chance.
The meeting starts at 7:15. At 7:30 pm we will break up into small groups. Those familiar with the CLH Book Group meeting know how this works: in each group we take turns introducing ourselves and giving our 1 minute thoughts on the book. It's important not to go over a minute and not to interrupt other people's minute so that everyone gets a chance to participate. After this first round, each group discusses for another 20 minutes or so.
We then shuffle the groups so as to talk to as many different people as possible and in the new groups repeat our introductions and 1 minute thoughts. We'll do this a couple of times before coming all together at the end in one last big group.
While we are very social and welcoming, the book group's primary focus is on discussing books. Feel free to turn up if you haven't managed to finish this month's book but note that the group works best when we have all read at least half of the book and are prepared to share our opinions.
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£3 per person to attend. If it's your first time, come and try us out for free!
If you prefer, you can pay online, by clicking here.We encourage dialogue, debate and sharing of information on our site but ask people to keep their comments cordial. Any views expressed here are those of the individual posting them and may not reflect those of CLH.
- CLH Pub Night - great conversation, drinks & food with like-minded people 🍔🍺😀The Somers Town Coffee House, London
Our monthly pub evenings are always a great opportunity to meet interesting people, chat, do a little networking, and enjoy a fun evening out.
Whether you’re new to Humanism or already a member, this is a fantastic space for anyone who is non-religious, questioning their beliefs, or open-minded and looking to mingle.
Time: From 6pm
Feel free to join us whenever you’re able to – we’re often there until closing time.Venue: Somers Town Coffee House
A lovely pub, close to Euston & Kings Cross stations.
You’ll find us towards the back of the pub, on the left of the bar – look out for the Humanist signs on the tables.What we talk about:
The conversations are different every time – from current events to humanism and secularism, with plenty of good laughs in between!
If there’s something specific you’d like to talk about, we’d love to hear about it.We kindly request a contribution of £3 for our events to help cover various admin costs - but first-timers are welcome to give us a free trial. If you prefer you can also pay online by clicking here.
We encourage dialogue, debate, and sharing of information at our events but ask people to keep their interactions cordial. Any views expressed are those of the individual sharing them and may not reflect those of CLH.
More about the venue:
All indoor facilities are wheelchair-friendly/accessible.
Free Wi-fi is available.
It’s easy to reach – close to Euston and Kings Cross stations, and on 18 different bus routes!
View a map hereMore about Humanism:
https://www.centrallondonhumanists.org.uk/about-humanism/We look forward to seeing you!
- Victoria to Pimlico – very posh in parts!Victoria Station, London
Victoria to Pimlico - very posh in parts!
All are welcome on this walk which is presented by Central London Humanists and led by Robert Hall. Humanists believe we have just one life to be lived rationally and well, with compassion for others.
This event is an informative guided walk of +/- 2 hours walking 3.5 Km / 2.2 miles.
A donation of £3 to Central London Humanists would be appreciated.
We will visit the housing complex which may be the most scandalous in the UK; a satirist of men’s fear of female superiority; the master builder who constructed a hundred room mansion for his son; the engineer who may have saved more London lives than any other person; plus why Major Walter Clopton Wingfield has a blue plaque. Almost all the time we are surrounded by fine buildings – even the chimney above a sewer pipe is a great piece of architecture!
Date: Saturday 6th September 2025
Time: 2 pm with a prompt departure at 2.15 pm
Place: Meet outside the exit from Victoria Underground Station close to the Visitor Centre; if you are in the correct place the Victoria Palace will be some distance ahead of you and the Apollo Victoria will be on your right. It is strongly suggested you find us with https:w3w.co///year.claims.parade - or the What3Words app for all walks. The photo shows the start point.
There are toilets near the start in Victoria Mainline Station or various cafes.
Finishes: About 4.15 near Pimlico Underground Station (Victoria Line). Optional refreshments at The Gallery Pub, 1 Lupus St, Pimlico SW1V 3AS
The walk is led by Robert – 07981963681. He can be contacted for further information but please note he won’t be able to respond to messages or calls after the walk has started.
The formal bit:
Maximum group size is 40 people. If you have signed up but find you can't attend, please change your RSVP on Meetup (it’s very easy to do) as soon as possible so others can join.
You are responsible for your own actions and safety; there is no liability on the walk leader or CLH for anything that may happen on the walk.
You must be able to keep up with the group at 4 Km/h (2.5 mph) for 4 Km (2.5 mph). It is participants' responsibility to keep up with the walk leader and to safely cross roads. Where appropriate, pedestrian controlled lights will be used and obeyed unless it is obvious that the whole group can cross safely. When the group stops at a point of interest, please be mindful not to block pavements so members of the public can pass by safely.
Don’t forget this is the UK and it may rain at any time! The walk will go ahead whatever the weather unless conditions are dangerous so please bring clothing for all seasons.
The majority of Central London Humanists events are free, but we welcome a £3 contribution per head. This helps towards the running and organising of events, as well as various admin expenses. If you can't attend and would still like to contribute, or would prefer to pay online, please click here.
CLH events are 18+ unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. These walks are not suitable for dogs, sorry.
We encourage dialogue, debate, and sharing of information, but ask people to keep their comments cordial. Any individual's views expressed (most definitely including the walk leader!) do not necessarily reflect the views of the group at large.
- Roots of Rationalism in India w/ Alavari Jeevathol - Origins of Humanism SeriesLink visible for attendees
Photo by vicky munde on Unsplash
CLH & Association of Black Humanists presents: From the Unreal to the Real — the Roots of Rationalism in India with Alavari Jeevathol.
We’re proud to present this special joint online event hosted by Central London Humanists and the Association of Black Humanists, part of our Global Origins of Humanism series. In this series, we explore philosophical traditions from around the world that have influenced contemporary humanist thinking.
For our first talk, we welcome Alavari Jeevathol (AJ), Vice President of Humanists International, CLH Committee Member and an advocate for humanism and interfaith dialogue.
AJ will guide us through the origins, teachings and modern relevance of Indian Rationalist Traditions.
- Origins
- Core values
- Modern Influence
💬 A live Q&A session will follow the talk.
💡 Learn more about Alavari Jeevathol and his work:
🔗 Profile at alavari.info- National Multifaith Youth Centre
- Humanism Now podcast
- Faith to Faithless: a supportive community for those leaving religion
- Central London Humanists
- Humanists International
- Jai Bhim Comrade - Dalit activism and self-respect documentary
- Devotional song from the mystical traditions of India - God without form
- The Perennial Philosophy, by Aldous Huxley
- Constitutional implications of the definition of terrorism in the UK
This event is free and open to all. Whether you’re a long-time humanist or just curious to explore indigenous ethical traditions, you’re warmly invited.
Please RSVP to receive your Zoom link.
How to Join:
Register here on Meetup or Eventbrite. We do not charge to attend our online talks – but we ask for a £3.00 donation from those who are able, to help cover the group's costs (we do not have a membership fee like other groups).An online donation of £3 can help us continue offering events like this and more - please use this link.
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Central London Humanists is a volunteer-run community group. We aim to provide a safe space for the humanist community in London to come together for fellowship, learning and fun. We receive no financial support and are entirely funded by donations from our membership and event attendees.Our events are 18+ unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. We encourage dialogue, debate, and sharing of information, but ask people to keep their comments cordial. Any individual's views expressed here do not necessarily reflect the views of the group at large.
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Stay Connected with Central London Humanists- Subscribe to our mailing List
- For more events follow us on Meetup
- Chat with fellow members in our WhatsApp Community
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- Listen to the Humanism Now Podcast
For any questions email us at info@centrallondonhumanists.org.uk
