Leicester Girl: Why We Need This Space

I’m sure many can relate to the dream of moving from a small town to a big city — chasing the buzz, the creativity, the excitement. That was me, six years ago, preparing for a big move to Bristol. I was eager to explore everything the city had to offer and, more than anything, to meet new people: creatives, kindred spirits, and all the weird and wonderful characters that make Bristol what it is.

But just three months after I arrived, lockdown hit. And suddenly, this big, exciting city started to feel small, scary, and incredibly isolating. My chances of making new friends vanished almost overnight, and I found myself feeling really quite lost.

Like many of us, I spent hours doom-scrolling through social media — and that’s when I stumbled across a Facebook group called Bristol Girl. The description read:

“Bristol Girl is a project dedicated to empowering, inspiring and supporting all women living in Bristol.”

It sounded almost too good to be true.

Bristol Girl Craft Club by Tamara Breeze

I joined the group and instantly felt like I’d found something special. Here were all these women, showing up for each other, asking for advice, sharing recommendations, reaching out for friendship, and others replying with so much warmth, care and kindness. There were no arguments, no negativity, just genuine support and connection. I couldn’t believe it. It was the kind of space I didn’t know I needed.

I’ll be honest — I wasn’t the most active member of Bristol Girl. I didn’t attend events or post often, and I could’ve put myself out there more. But even from the sidelines, it made a difference.

Just knowing that a group of supportive, inspiring, funny, open-hearted women were there — sharing their stories, offering advice, reminding each other they weren’t alone — gave me a quiet kind of comfort. I'd scroll through the posts and feel seen by people I'd never met. Sometimes I’d comment, sometimes I’d just read and take it all in.

That space reminded me that connection was possible. That the things I was feeling weren’t strange or wrong. That somewhere in my city, other women got it. And even though I wasn’t front and centre, I still felt like I belonged to something bigger than myself.

Don’t get me wrong, I had a great time in Bristol. I made some incredible friends, shared unforgettable moments, and built a life there that I’ll always treasure. But for many reasons, the time came to move closer to home. My husband and I decided on Leicester, a city I’d studied in and grown to really love.

After we moved, I continued seeing posts from Bristol Girl pop up on my feed; that same warmth, connection, and supportive energy I’d felt from afar. Naturally, I went looking for something similar here in Leicester... and quickly realised it didn’t exist. Not yet.

And that’s what brings me here, writing this as part of my voluntary role as Community Manager for the newly created Leicester Girl.

Why We Need This Space

We all know how hard it can be to build meaningful connections as an adult — especially in a new city. Whether you've just moved to Leicester, returned after time away, or lived here your whole life, it’s still easy to feel a bit disconnected.

So many women are looking for something more — a safe space where they can show up exactly as they are. A space where it’s okay to say, “I’m looking for new friends” or “help! Does anyone else feel this way?” to “can you recommend a good driving instructor” and be met with kindness, not judgement.

Leicester Girl was born from that need — the need for community, for solidarity, for a local sisterhood that reflects the heart and diversity of this beautiful city. Because Leicester deserves this just as much as any other place. And us girls deserve it too.

What Leicester Girl Will Be

Leicester Girl is just getting started — but already, there’s so much potential for what this space can become.

We’re building a community where women can connect in real, human ways. A place to meet like-minded souls, share stories, ask questions, offer support, and lift each other up.

Think drinks with new friends, coffee catch-ups, walks and talks, creative workshops, safe chats, honest posts, shared struggles, and quiet wins. Think recommendations for local gems and heartfelt advice on everything from careers to friendships to navigating life’s curveballs.

But more than anything, Leicester Girl will be a space where you belong — whether you're loud or shy, creative or curious, just passing through or planting roots. There’s room for you here.

Brighton Girl Creatives Panel by Charlotte Rebecca Photography

Wanna Help Build Something Lovely?

If you’ve ever found yourself thinking, “Where are my people?” — hi, you’ve just found one of them. And Leicester Girl might be just the place for you.

This isn’t just a Facebook group — it’s the beginning of something real. A place where DMs turn into day trips, “just moved here” becomes “I’ve found my people,” and feeling a bit lost doesn’t have to mean being alone.

Maybe you’ll come for the local tips, the deep chats, or the spontaneous coffee invites. Maybe you’ll just scroll quietly for a while and slowly realise… hey, these women feel like home.

Whatever it looks like for you, Leicester Girl is yours to shape — and the beauty of it is, we’re figuring it all out together.

We’re just at the beginning of building this, and honestly? I can’t do it alone. If you’re reading this thinking, “I’d love to be part of something like this,” then come say hi! Whether you’ve got ideas, energy, spare time, or just a good playlist for our first meet-up — City Girl Network would love to hear from you.

No experience needed. Just good vibes, open minds, and a whole lot of love for Leicester and your fellow girls.

Written by Charly Cooke (Leicester Girl Community Manager)