Holly Cooke founded The London Lonely Girls Club on Facebook in 2018 after moving to the city from the north. It was a way to make friends in the busy metropolis. It has succeeded beyond her wildest dreams and now provides an introductory network for over 30,000 women.
Holly says the club had 10,000 members at the start of 2022, and had "grown spectacularly" in the last year to almost 31,000 people. "More people have come to London and are wanting that connection," she said.
"Loneliness is a difficult one," says 26 year old Holly. "It doesn't matter where you live. People feel it in so many different ways. London is so transient. Some just moved here; others have been here their whole life."
She and two volunteers organise between four and six events each month, which have previously included picnics, brunches, board game and cocktail nights. Events are open to members of all ages, but are popular among young women.
Holly told the BBC that her club provided a "safe environment" for people to meet face-to-face. "Meet-ups are getting booked up in five minutes," she said. "Our first meet-up post Covid sold out in two minutes.
