23rd Feb 2025
The Power of Female Friendships: Combatting Loneliness and Boosting Mental Health in Glasgow
The Power of Female Friendships: Combatting Loneliness and Boosting Mental Health in the UK
In today’s fast-paced world, many women find themselves juggling multiple roles and responsibilities, often at the expense of their social connections. In the UK, loneliness among women is a growing concern, with significant implications for mental health.
The Prevalence of Loneliness Among UK Women
Recent data reveals that women are more susceptible to feelings of loneliness than men. The Health Survey for England (2021) reported that 24% of women felt lonely at least some of the time, compared to 20% of men. This trend is particularly pronounced among younger women; those aged 16 to 24 are almost three times more likely (26%) to experience common mental health issues than their male counterparts (9%).
The Mental Health Impact
Loneliness doesn’t just affect emotional well-being; it has profound implications for mental health. Prolonged loneliness can lead to depression, anxiety, and increased stress levels. Studies have shown that loneliness can increase the risk of early mortality by 26% and is associated with poorer mental health outcomes, including depression.
The Role of Female Friendships
Strong social connections, especially among women, play a crucial role in mitigating the effects of loneliness. Female friendships often provide emotional support, understanding, and a sense of belonging. These relationships can act as a buffer against stress and mental health challenges. Research indicates that women are more likely to adopt a “tend and befriend” response to stress, seeking out social support, which is associated with physical and psychological benefits.
Building and Nurturing Connections
In light of these findings, fostering and maintaining female friendships is more important than ever. Here are some strategies to build and strengthen these vital connections:
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Join Local Groups or Clubs: Engage in activities that interest you, such as book clubs, fitness classes, or hobby groups, to meet like-minded women.
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Leverage Social Media: Use platforms to reconnect with old friends or join communities centered around your interests.
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Attend Workshops and Events: Participate in events focused on women’s well-being and empowerment.
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Prioritise Regular Meet-ups: Schedule regular catch-ups, whether in person or virtually, to maintain and deepen existing friendships.
By actively seeking and nurturing female friendships, women can combat loneliness and enhance their mental health, leading to a more fulfilling and connected life.
The Pal Project: A Space for Friendships to Flourish
At The Glasglow Girls Club, we know firsthand the power of female friendships. Over the years, our community has brought together women from all walks of life, creating lasting connections that go beyond networking—true friendships have blossomed. Whether it’s through our co-working sessions, brunch clubs, or book clubs, the stories of support, encouragement, and shared laughter are endless. The Glasglow Girls Club has seen its members become each other’s bridesmaids, business partners, podcast hosts, night-out buddies, travel buddies, and dog-walking buddies. We even had a group of ladies create a pub crawl out of our friendship forum!!
With the launch of The Pal Project, we’re taking this mission even further. This initiative is designed to help millennial women find meaningful friendships in a low-pressure, welcoming space. From craft nights to quizzes, live music to paint-and-sip evenings, we’re creating opportunities for women to bond, have fun, and build real connections. In a world where loneliness is on the rise, The Pal Project is here to remind every woman that friendship is waiting—sometimes, all you have to do is show up.
If you’re interested in joining us for our first Pal Project get thigether, find out more here!
