A Liverpool content creator who has built a successful social media following is using her platform to help women overcome loneliness, make new friends and build lasting connections through a new community initiative called Girls Who Gather.

Becky Saunders, 39, a mother of two from Litherland and the woman behind Get Reviewed Liverpool, has launched a series of affordable social events across Sefton after experiencing her own struggles with anxiety, loneliness and mental health.

Having spent six years growing her lifestyle, leisure and hospitality platform to more than 30,000 followers, Becky now hopes to use her influence to bring women together away from social media.

Becky explained:

“Last year was one of the worst years of my life. Anxiety completely took over and there were times when I felt like I couldn’t escape it.

“I worked incredibly hard on myself through counselling, therapy, walking, reading and learning about mental wellbeing. I still attend a weekly wellbeing meeting at the SWAN Centre in Litherland, which has been a huge support.

“There’s still a massive stigma surrounding mental health, and sometimes people simply don’t know how to help someone who’s struggling. Sometimes you just need someone to listen, have a coffee with or go for a walk.”

From Get Reviewed Liverpool to Girls Who Gather

Becky’s journey as a content creator began almost by accident when a colleague joked about her habit of sharing photographs of her lunch online.

What started as a hobby soon developed into Get Reviewed Liverpool, a recognised platform showcasing restaurants, independent businesses and experiences across Liverpool and beyond.

During lockdown, Becky began highlighting local bakeries and small businesses, gradually building a loyal following through her relatable reviews and engaging content.

She said:

“I never imagined that posting pictures of my lunch would lead to where I am today. It’s taken six years of hard work and consistency, but I’m incredibly proud of what I’ve built.

“One of my biggest achievements was hearing that a restaurant had sold out of Sunday roasts in its first week following one of my reviews. Knowing that something I’ve created can make such a difference to a local business is an amazing feeling.”

However, behind the restaurant visits, exciting experiences and carefully edited videos, Becky admits that her personal life has not always reflected the positive image people see online.

Speaking openly about her mental health, she revealed that her struggles had become so severe that she attempted to take her own life.

She said:

“I’ve struggled with my mental health to the point where I tried to take my own life. It’s something that’s incredibly difficult to talk about, but I think it’s important to be honest about just how serious things can get when you’re struggling.

“You never really know what someone is going through behind closed doors, and if sharing my experience helps even one person feel less alone or encourages them to ask for help, then I’m willing to speak about it.”

Creating new friendships closer to home

As her two sons grew into teenagers, Becky found herself with more free time but fewer opportunities to socialise, particularly when friends were busy with their own families and commitments.

She began to recognise how loneliness was affecting her wellbeing and wondered how many other women were experiencing something similar.

“After the gym, I’d often find myself sitting at home wondering what to do with my evening other than watch another box set or go to bed.

“I realised that some of what I was feeling came from loneliness, and I started thinking that surely I couldn’t be the only woman in this position.

“That’s where the idea for Girls Who Gather came from. I wanted to create opportunities for women to get out, meet people and enjoy themselves without feeling awkward or overwhelmed.”

Having noticed that many social events were concentrated around Liverpool city centre, Lark Lane and Sefton Park, Becky wanted to establish something closer to home.

She explained:

“I wanted to create something on our own doorstep, where women in Sefton could meet others who lived nearby.

“There’s something special about making a new friend who lives just around the corner, someone you can meet for a coffee, go for a walk with or simply have a chat.

“Keeping Girls Who Gather in Sefton is important to me. I want friendships to continue beyond the events while supporting local businesses at the same time.”

Girls Who Gather events prove popular with local women

Girls Who Gather held its first event on 20 September with a coffee morning, followed by a tapas evening attended by 20 women.

The response has already been encouraging, with a November Paint and Sip event selling out in just five days.

Becky deliberately keeps gatherings small and welcoming, allowing women to get to know one another in a relaxed environment without the pressure sometimes associated with larger social occasions.

She said:

“Loneliness has no age limit and neither do my social gatherings.

“It doesn’t matter whether you’re single, married, have children or don’t have children. You might be going through a difficult time or simply fancy meeting new people. Everyone is welcome.

“I also want to keep the events affordable because making friends and enjoying yourself shouldn’t have to cost a fortune.”

Festive Crosby event and plans for 2027

The next Girls Who Gather event will take place in Crosby on Saturday 5 December, with a festive cake decorating workshop offering women another opportunity to meet new people.

Priced at £30 per person, the experience includes a ready-made cake to decorate and a welcome glass of prosecco or a non-alcoholic alternative.

Looking ahead to 2027, Becky is planning a January lunch alongside pottery painting, jewellery-making workshops, informal walks and coffee mornings.

As the community grows, she also hopes to introduce two larger monthly gatherings while maintaining the friendly, inclusive atmosphere that has helped make the first events successful.

Alongside her professional achievements, Becky has made significant lifestyle changes, including giving up alcohol and embracing regular exercise and walking to support her physical and mental wellbeing.

She hopes to continue developing Get Reviewed Liverpool while establishing Girls Who Gather as a supportive community where women can find friendship, encouragement and a sense of belonging.

Becky concluded:

“I’m so proud of how far I’ve come, both personally and professionally, but if sharing my experiences encourages even one woman to come along to an event, make a new friend or realise she’s not alone, then it will all have been worthwhile.

“Sometimes the smallest things, like a coffee, a conversation or a walk with someone new, can make the biggest difference.”