A Wollongong woman has utilised social media to establish a safe space for like-minded women who are struggling to build meaningful connections in their lives.
Mia Taylor, 22, created her social media page ‘Sober Sally’s’ on Instagram in December of 2024, to organise gatherings such as craft nights and beach walks in an effort to combat the difficulties she had noticed that people were facing in making new friends. Since its commencement, the page has amassed nearly 500 followers, with women of all ages seeking to take part in her social events.
Ms Taylor said Sober Sally’s’ is based upon the needs of the community, and the events organised are tailored to what her audience feels most comfortable doing.
“It’s really daunting at our age to try and make new friends,” she said.
“Usually with events, I’ll ask if people have requests or things they like to do, so we’ve got Paint and Tea coming up at the end of the month, which was a requested event… it’s really just based on what people who join the group want.”
Online communities similar to Sober Sally’s have recently surged in Wollongong, with multiple women’s groups, including SeaGals, FeminineForMe and BraveBabes, gaining popularity. Especially with the roll-up of new students each semester at the University of Wollongong, there seems to be a healthy supply of people craving new friendships.
Local attendee of Sober Sally’s, Alayna Wright, 22, said she found the group through the Wollongong Students Facebook page and that it had been exactly what she was looking for.
“I live alone and I’ve finished my degree so making friends my age is a big challenge for me… this is a great way to fill my cup,” Ms Wright said.
“I know there are a lot of people in my boat and making sure you get out there is really great for mental health.”
Ms Taylor is excited to see what happens with Sober Sally’s in the coming months and encourages the women of Wollongong to get involved.
“It’s okay to be nervous, I understand that it is really hard to make new friends, and its really hard to introduce yourself but as long as you come along and even just spark up a conversation you know? It’ll be good, its lovely. It’s nice,” she said.