Perhaps the best reason is the same as the reason for / benefit from joining a folk dance club or a choir or a walking group (or....). The chance to be made welcome in a group of people who share an interest in something you love (/ enjoy / might come to enjoy).
I am not a regular folk club attender (too busy dancing) but was made very welcome at Nellies in Beverley at a time when I had to be away from home and was very glad of the friendly contact.