I’m personally setting up a private Discourse instance to facilitate old school, friendly, online interactions. But it’s probably overkill if you just need a place to digitally hang out.
Discourse is amazing. Some of the best (and worst) tiny communities on the internet are running it.
Great way to test the waters. Don't underestimate the cool and see what kind of posts and habits it could pave the way for, should it lead down some rabbit holes. Lots could be said for establishing even some crude habitations and running with it.