A friendship group started by a Morpeth resident has brought together more than 4,600 members in less than two years.

What began as one woman's simple idea to bring people together has grown into a thriving community, ranging from women in their 20s to those in their 90s.

Founded in January 2025 by Kerry Bell, Northumbria Ladies Social and Friendship Group has become a remarkable success story, connecting women from the Scottish Borders down to Tyneside and across to Northumberland National Park.

It is helping to tackle social isolation and create genuine friendships through an ever-growing programme of activities, outings and social gatherings.

The group has an ever-growing programme of activities, outings and social gatherings.

placeholder image — The group has an ever-growing programme of activities, outings and social gatherings.

From walks and talks to coffee mornings, leisurely lunches, nights out, theatre trips, live gigs and holidays, the group offers women opportunities to meet face-to-face, share experiences and develop lasting friendships.

Regular weekly gatherings take place across the region – including Morpeth, Cramlington, Alnwick and Newbiggin-by-the-Sea – alongside an expanding calendar of outings and special events.

For some women, it is an opportunity to widen an already busy social circle.

For others, particularly those who have experienced bereavement, retirement, relocation, relationship breakdown or loneliness, the group offers something much more significant; the chance to rebuild a social life and rediscover a sense of belonging.

Kerry said: “When I moved to Northumberland (from Leicestershire in 2024), I realised that making friends as an adult isn't quite as straightforward as it was when we were younger.

“You can’t exactly wander up to someone in the supermarket and ask if they'd like to be your friend without getting some very strange looks!

“But I also knew I couldn't be the only woman who wanted to meet people, have a laugh, enjoy new experiences and build a social life.

“So I started the group. I certainly didn’t imagine that less than two years later we’d have more than 4,600 members and one of the things I love most is that age becomes almost irrelevant.

“The numbers are wonderful, of course, but what really matters is seeing friendships develop.

“It’s watching women who arrive at their first event feeling nervous and not knowing a soul, then seeing them a few weeks later laughing together, making plans and organising their own get-togethers.”

As Northumbria Ladies Social and Friendship Group – https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1ELR9hefTt/ – approaches its second anniversary in January 2027, the ambition is to continue expanding opportunities for women across the region, particularly in communities where regular social activities may be limited.

But despite its remarkable growth, the founding principle remains unchanged: ‘real women, real conversations and real friendships; no cliques, no expectations and absolutely no need to arrive knowing anyone’.