Renfrewshire Ladies Social Group — Created From Loneliness, Growing Into Community
/This Spotlight contributed by Renfrewshire Ladies Social Group highlights the positive impact of a welcoming space providing social connection on people’s health and wellbeing.
The Renfrewshire Ladies Social Group began with one woman, Rachael Smith, feeling lonely, disconnected, and unsure how to rebuild her social life. After years of working from home and the lingering impact of COVID, she realised she wasn’t the only one struggling to meet new people or find a sense of belonging. Instead of waiting for things to change, she decided to create the kind of space she herself needed — warm, welcoming, and free from pressure or judgement.
What started as a small Facebook group has grown into a thriving community of more than two thousand women of all ages from across Renfrewshire. The group brings women together through relaxed, friendly activities: coffee meet-ups, cinema trips, craft sessions, wellbeing days, walks, and simple social gatherings that make it easy for anyone to join, even if they’re nervous or out of practice socially.
Many members join for the same reason Rachael started it — because they feel lonely, disconnected, or unsure where they fit. What they find is a supportive, down-to-earth community where friendships form naturally and confidence grows through shared experiences. No one is left standing on the sidelines.
The group has also become a positive force in the wider community, supporting local charities, collaborating with small businesses, and encouraging women to explore what’s on their doorstep. It shows how one person’s moment of loneliness can become a catalyst for connection, belonging, and real change.
Renfrewshire Ladies Social Group is proof that community doesn’t need to be complicated — it just needs someone brave enough to start it.
Join us on Facebook by searching for Renfrewshire Ladies Social Group.
