Girls Who Walk Sunderland: Bringing girls together to make friends and combat loneliness
Written by Louise Carty on 24th October 2025
Image credit: Girls Who Walk Sunderland
A Sunderland walking group is helping women make friends and tackle loneliness in the wake of the Covid pandemic.
Girls Who Walk Sunderland (GWWS) was set up to bring local women together through regular walks and social activities. Admin Sophie Richardson, 26, said: “We want to make sure we’re supporting girls who feel lonely. Especially since Covid, loneliness has become a big issue, so we’re creating a safe space in Sunderland where women can connect and enjoy wholesome activities together.”
The idea was originally brought to life in Manchester before expanding to other cities. Amelia Dodd, 25, the founder of GWWS became inspired to start the group in Sunderland upon moving to the city.
The group is run by a small team of local women who work together to plan walks, events, and work on collaborations to provide a wholesome, welcoming community.
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The group hosted their first walk in August 2023 where over 50 people turned out to walk along Roker Sea Front, they have since hosted many events such as attending clubbercise classes, pottery making, quiz nights and more.
An interview with Sophie, explains more about what the group offers.
To find out more and get involved, you can visit their Instagram.
