ABOUT MYPODS
Small circles, real connection.
MyPods is a free, member-led community that helps Nigerians living in Birmingham meet, connect and build lasting friendships — in Pods small enough that everyone actually shows up.
Pods of up to 10
Each Pod is a small, stable group so conversations stay real and meetups actually happen.
Birmingham-local
Meet people who live, work and socialise in your part of the city — not across the country.
Member-led
A volunteer Captain keeps each Pod connected. No paid hosts, no scripts — just members showing up.
How it works
Choose one or two communities — The Explorers, The Fitness Circle, Business Network or The Foodies — and we'll match you into a Pod of up to 10 people nearby. You'll see your Podmates on the Pods page, and your Captain helps coordinate the first few meetups. From there, the Pod is yours.
Who it's for
MyPods is for Nigerians in Birmingham aged 18 and over who want genuine, in-person connection. Whether you're new to the city or just looking for your people, there's a Pod for you.
Our values
We're built on respect, safety and belonging. Everyone is welcome, everyone consents, and everyone's details stay private. MyPods is a project of Tractist Ltd and is run with care for the community it serves.
BEFORE YOU JOIN
Policies, rules & terms
Please read these before you sign up. They explain how your data is handled under UK law, how members are expected to behave, and the terms on which you use MyPods. By submitting the join form you confirm you have read and agree to all three.
Privacy Policy
MyPods is a project of Tractist Ltd, which is the data controller responsible for your personal data. This policy is written to meet the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.
What we collect
- Identity and contact details: full name, email address and WhatsApp number.
- Profile information: Birmingham postcode, age range, gender, occupation, a short introduction and your goals.
- A profile photo, which is shown on the public Pods page so members can recognise you.
- Your chosen communities (e.g. The Explorers) and whether you'd like to volunteer as a Captain.
- A record of your consents (privacy, guidelines and reminders).
Why we use it (our lawful basis)
- Consent (UK GDPR Article 6(1)(a)) — you agree to share your details when you tick the consent boxes.
- Contract (UK GDPR Article 6(1)(b)) — to match you into a Pod and provide the service you signed up for.
- We use your data to match you with nearby members, show your photo to your Pod, send meetup reminders (only if you opt in), and keep the community safe.
Who can see it
- Only MyPods admins can see the full waiting list and member details.
- Other members see your photo and first name on the Pods page — nothing more unless you choose to share it.
- We never sell your data and we do not share it with advertisers or third parties for marketing.
How long we keep it
- We keep your details while you're an active member, and for a short period afterwards in case you return.
- You can ask us to delete your data at any time and we will remove it without unreasonable delay.
Your rights under UK GDPR
- Access — ask what data we hold about you.
- Rectification — correct anything that's inaccurate.
- Erasure — ask us to delete your data.
- Restriction and objection — limit or stop certain uses.
- Portability — receive your data in a usable format.
- Withdraw consent at any time, without affecting what was done before you withdrew.
- If you're unhappy, you can complain to the UK Information Commissioner's Office (ico.org.uk).
Security, transfers & children
- We take reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect your data.
- Your data is not transferred outside the UK without the safeguards required by UK GDPR.
- MyPods is for people aged 18 and over; we do not knowingly collect data from children.
Contact
- To exercise any right or ask a question, contact the MyPods admin via the WhatsApp community or email listed on the site. Tractist Ltd is the responsible data controller.
Community Rules
These rules keep MyPods safe, welcoming and lawful for everyone. They reflect the standards expected under UK law, including the Equality Act 2010 and the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.
Respect and inclusion
- Treat every member with dignity. Discrimination on the basis of race, gender, sexuality, religion, age, disability or any other protected characteristic is not tolerated.
- MyPods is a community for Nigerians in Birmingham, and everyone within it is equally welcome.
Safety and consent
- Keep meetups in public, agreed places and never pressure anyone to attend, share contact details or meet privately.
- Don't share another member's contact details, photo or location without their clear permission.
No harassment or harm
- Threatening, harassing, bullying or stalking another member — online or in person — is strictly forbidden and may be a criminal offence.
- Report any concerning behaviour to the admin so it can be acted on.
No commercial activity
- Don't use Pods to sell, recruit, advertise or promote a business. Members come to connect, not to be marketed to.
Show up and be reliable
- Let your Captain know if you can't make a meetup. Repeated no-shows may mean your Pod seat is offered to someone else.
Consequences
- Breaking these rules may lead to a warning, removal from a Pod, or removal from MyPods entirely.
- Where behaviour may be unlawful, we may report it to the relevant authorities.
App Terms
These terms set out the basis on which you use MyPods. They are governed by the laws of England and Wales.
Eligibility and acceptance
- You must be 18 or over to join. By submitting the join form you accept these terms, the Privacy Policy and the Community Rules.
The service
- MyPods is a free community network that helps members form small local Pods. We facilitate introductions; we do not run, guarantee or supervise meetups.
- We don't guarantee a Pod will form, that a particular number of meetups will happen, or that every member will attend.
Your account and conduct
- You agree to give accurate details and to keep them up to date.
- You're responsible for your conduct at meetups and in Pod communications, and for complying with the Community Rules and UK law.
Meetups and liability
- Meetups are arranged by members, for members. You attend entirely at your own risk.
- Tractist Ltd and MyPods are not liable for the acts or omissions of members, Captains or third parties, or for any loss, injury or damage arising at or from a meetup.
Volunteer Captains
- Captains are volunteer members who help coordinate their Pod. They are not employees, agents or representatives of Tractist Ltd or MyPods.
Intellectual property
- The MyPods name, logo and materials belong to Tractist Ltd. Don't copy or misuse them. You keep ownership of your own content but allow MyPods to display your photo as described in the Privacy Policy.
Changes and contact
- We may update these terms as the community grows; material changes will be communicated to members.
- Questions about these terms can be sent to the MyPods admin via the contact details on the site.