By: Rachael Smith
Rachael Smith from Johnstone, Renfrewshire started The Renfrewshire Ladies Social Group in 2022, as life slowly began returning to normal after Covid. Although she had friends and family around her, she still felt disconnected and lonely at times, as her friends and family didn’t share the same interests as her. Like many people after the pandemic, she realised how deeply isolation had affected everyday life.
Wanting friendship, companionship, and people to simply do things with, she created the group for herself, hoping to find other women who were also looking for conversation, support, and community.
She soon realised she was far from alone.
What started with one woman searching for connection has grown into a thriving community of over 2,500 women from across Renfrewshire. The group now brings women together through events, activities, and workshops, helping to build confidence, friendships, and a strong sense of belonging.
The Renfrewshire Ladies Social Group is about more than socialising. It is about wellbeing, inclusion, kindness, and creating a safe and welcoming space where women can connect without judgement. Sometimes simply having someone to talk to or someone to go for a coffee, walk, or activity with can make all the difference.
The group also receives tremendous support from businesses across Renfrewshire, who have welcomed them into their venues as community hubs. These spaces provide a safe and friendly environment for events, activities, and workshops, while also supporting local businesses through purchasing food and drink during visits.
That is why becoming members of Voluntary Health Scotland means so much to the group. Their commitment to improving health and reducing inequalities through community connection reflects exactly what Rachael hoped the group could become.
What began as one woman trying to rebuild connection after Covid has grown into a large, supportive community for women across Renfrewshire built on friendship, compassion, and belonging.
“No woman should feel alone in her own community.”
You can find out more about the group by searching Renfrewshire Ladies Social Group on Facebook.
