A social group is transforming the lives of women across the city. 

She Connects has been helping Glaswegians get out of the house, make friends and learn new skills since it was set up last October. 

(Image: Nicky Krugiellka founder of She Connects. Picture by Gordon Terris, Newsquest)
Originally starting as a Facebook and Instagram group with zero followers, the women's social group has grown to 3,000 followers across both social media platforms and gets women who may feel lonely or isolated along to meet-ups and nights/days out. 

Some activities that the girls have done so far include walks, jewellery making and pottery, and the She Connects website has tabs for people to meet friends in their area and join Whatsapp conversations for different interests. 

(Image: Nicky Krugiellka founder of She Connects. Picture by Gordon Terris, Newsquest) Nikol Krugielka, who started up She Connects, told the Glasgow Times: “A lot of women have felt very lonely and isolated since the pandemic. This group has helped them get out there and do new activities, meet people and learn new skills. 

“A lot of the girls have said the group has helped them with their anxieties and one girl who had a car accident said the group is getting her out of her fear of leaving the house.

“And some of the women have come here from the other side of the globe and they’re now able to discover the city with new people.” 

READ NEXT: 'Get to f***': Glaswegians furious after Duke of Wellington statue makeover

Recounting how positive the group has been for so many women, Nikol said setting up She Connects is the best decision she’s ever made. 

She said: “This group has made a big difference. It has blossomed friendships and connected women together. It is the best decision I’ve ever made.”

She added: “I was in town one day on my lunch break and ran into two of the girls who met each other at one of our pottery events and they were heading for lunch. It made me really happy and I’m just very proud.”

(Image: Nicky Krugiellka founder of She Connects. Picture by Gordon Terris, Newsquest)
The group was set up by the 28-year-old after she noticed the lack of ways for women to make friends in the city. 

She explained: “I wanted to make new friends, but I didn’t know how to do that. 

“I attended network events and looked for meet-ups for women specifically but I couldn’t really find any. 

“I thought other people must be feeling the same, so I started the social media groups and organising regular meet-ups. 

“We started off meeting up once every two weeks, typically weekends with me organising everything. 

“But I now have about five other girls involved in organising events.”

READ NEXT: 'Too many people are struggling': Meet the locals bringing back free meals

To celebrate the group's one year, and its tremendous expansion since being set up, Nikol is throwing a big event in town to say thank you to the girls and the whole community. 

She added that attendees will be doing cocktail-making classes, and the girls will receive some goody bags and cupcakes. 

“It’ll be really good,” Nikol said. 

To find out more or to get in touch with She Connects, click HERE