Leeds is just one of the 18 cities across the UK that make up The City Girl Network, a collective that was created to bring women together since 2016. Over the years they have grown in numbers with the aim to give women a safe space to make new friends, housemates and any connections needed for a woman living in the city.
Whether you’re starting University, starting a new job, or just want to connect with more people, Leeds Girl gives women the opportunity to connect through their Facebook group and in-person events.
Events range from coffee mornings, after-work drinks, business networking events, book clubs and walking groups. The list is endless. Leeds Girl hosted a Pottery Painting evening at Leeds Revolution Bar Electric Press, with over 20 women of all ages meeting up for the first time.
Event organiser and group moderator, Jules Bailey, initially started out attending Leeds Girl events after she joined the group online, and after befriending some of the hosts this lead to her becoming a host herself.
“I’ve had great fun since hosting the events,” she said. “Even if you don’t know anyone or feel uncomfortable talking to new people there is always at least one person there that you can sit with and get to know. It’s just taking that first leap. We’re all women and we’re here to empower each other.”
According to GOV.UK Official Statistics, women are more likely to admit to feeling lonely than men, with the age range for feeling the most lonely being 16-24. Loneliness can have a great impact on mental and physical health, such as an increase in anxiety, heart issues and even premature death.
Gareth Caville, Wellbeing Practitioner at Leeds Beckett University, says that feeling connected to others is essential to protecting our physical and mental wellbeing.
“There is always a way through but it can be hard to see when you’re lonely. The way through can start small by trying to introduce small interactions in to your day. It doesn’t always have to be a deep connection. If there is a welcoming approach from a community it will help a lonely person”.
Leeds Girl now has over 4,500 members and hopes to expand to many more cities to continue their goal of providing friendship and connections for any women who may be feeling lonely in the city.
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