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Single mums form support group to beat loneliness

Isabella VeronaNorthamptonshire
News imageContributed Three people sitting at an outdoor cafe table on a pedestrian shopping street. The table holds drinks, a partially eaten dessert, and personal items. Shops, cafe seating, and pedestrians line the street behind them in bright afternoon sunlight.Contributed
About 25 people go to the regular meet-ups, including (left-right) Alexandra Adina, Ana Shkoza and Danusia Huh

Two single mothers from eastern Europe have set up an all-female group to help address loneliness and a lack of support networks.

Danusia Huh and Ana Shkoza, who live in Northampton, started The Pick Me Up Club in June to ensure women had a safe space to connect.

After running the group for three weeks, they gained 450 Facebook members and about 25 members at the regular meet-ups hosted around Northamptonshire.

Huh said she felt a "strong sense of community" growing up in Romania but that there had not been the same experience locally since the Covid-19 lockdowns.

Having experienced the "very difficult" challenges that come with balancing a full-time job with single-motherhood, Huh found there was a lack of opportunity nearby to build female friendships for support.

"There's that saying, 'it takes a village'… so, if we haven't got one, let's build one," she explained.

News imageContributed A group of people and a dog standing on a paved path through a dry grassy field. One person is closer to the camera in the foreground, while the rest of the group gathers further along the path. Trees and residential buildings are visible in the distance under a clear sky.Contributed
The meet-ups take place in rural areas for walking as well as pub gardens and cafes

The group meets at different areas each time, all coordinated through their Facebook page.

As the club continues to grow, the founders are hoping to partner with local businesses to promote the local economy.

News imageContributed A large group of people seated around a long wooden outdoor table on a sunny day. Drinks, glasses, and small bags are spread across the table beneath colourful patio umbrellas. The gathering takes place in a garden-style pub setting with trees, fencing, and nearby houses in the background.Contributed
The group is intended for women of all ages, backgrounds and interests

Alexandra Adina, also from Romania, recently began attending the group and was surprised by how welcoming it was.

"I cancelled three times because I was anxious but as soon as I stepped in, there was a table full of women and they all smiled," she explained.

"They made me feel like I was already belonging there."

The 37-year-old brought her daughter to one of the events and said she had seen a positive change in her.

"She is more open, more out loud, more courageous," Adina added.

"If we were going to the park, it was just the two of us. Now we have a lot of friends and support... which is so hard [to find.]"

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