Women-only group launched to combat loneliness

Two women have launched a new social community to help others combat loneliness and forge new friendships.

Oni Hamilton and Coreen Campbell, who have been friends for more than a decade, wanted to help others in Wolverhampton connect so set up the Time 2 Club.

The women-only group now meets every month for walks in the city, pub quizzes and a range of events.

"In a world where so much socialising happens online, local women are choosing to show up in real life instead, and it's transforming their confidence and wellbeing," the founders said.

The idea was born during a vision board workshop hosted by Campbell, in which the attendees expressed a need for a safe space to meet new people and form connections.

The pair added: "We've found that many women struggle with loneliness, whether due to moving areas, career changes, or simply finding it harder to connect as adults."

Hamilton told BBC Radio WM: "I was away working in Dubai for a long period of time, when I came back I thought 'what can I do now? How can I reconnect with different opportunities when friends are busy or have other commitments?'

"Some of the stories that the ladies in our group tell us, and the relationships they have now formed is amazing and makes us feel so empowered."

On their website, the founders have said the aim of the group is to "create a space that feels safe" where women can connect, feel supported, and "take time for themselves without pressure".

As well as a monthly walk, events include pottery painting, a book club, padel sessions, cinema night and a pamper workshop.

Campbell added: "You can be any age, any background and you can be wanting to get whatever you want from it. It's open to anyone to come along.

"The friendships that have blossomed have been beautiful because it doesn't matter what age you are, age is just a number, you connect with who you connect with."

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