MANCHESTER born Keeley Wilson is adjusting to a new life in Donaghadee with the help of a network of local friends she has brought together through social media.
“It’s quite hard to find new friends when you’re a bit older,” says the 26 year-old who moved here 18 months ago to be with her Millisle born partner.
Her solution was to set up an all female group @codowngirlgroup which is active on Instagram, Tik Tok, Facebook and has its own WhatsApp group.
“When you’re at university or school it’s easier to make friends but I’m working in Belfast and a lot of my colleagues don’t live down here,” she said.
“So I set up the group for selfish reasons and it’s doing really well and a lot of people have messaged me to say thank you because they were feeling quite lonely,” says Keeley.
In the space of just two months members have created a book club, mum group, over 40s group, a gym group and a craft club.
They also meet on the first Saturday of every month for a walk and organise other activities such as meals out, a darts event, a Giants game and there’s a cinema outing planned to The Avenue to watch The Devil Wears Prada.
In order to make events as accessible as possible many are based in Bangor with its good public transport links.
“Most of the splinter groups organise themselves over WhatsApp,” says Keeley adding, “The over 40s group has arranged to go rollerblading and with the gym group a few people have met up who go to the same gym. They’ll also swap tips on workouts which helps to motivate each other.
“The craft club has been posting things they have been working on such as crochet and knitting and the book club is hoping to have enough members soon to meet in person.”
The group has offered a welcome outlet to those who have felt lonely or struggled to make friends, especially those who work from home.
“There might be other people out there who are lonely and would love to join,” says Keeley, adding that the group is always open to new members of any age.
“I’ve made some nice friends and it’s meant that on the weekend I’ve got things to do and it’s given me purpose.
“I like the fact that I’m helping other people along with the selfish fact that I kind of needed some friends myself. So it’s been really nice.”
If you would like to join the group get in touch through their social media channels @codowngirlgroup
