A WELLINGTON Facebook group has been lauded for its ability to support local adults in overcoming isolation.

Founded by Fiona Rose and Phil Lettley in 2022, Wellington Friends turned from a small walking group to a very active community endeavour with thousands of members, helping adults around the town form new friendships.

Fiona said she was inspired by her discovery of the online Taunton equivalent, ‘Somerset Area Friends and Events’, and with some prompting by others in the group, she established the Wellington group soon after.

She said: “Initially, me and one of the people on that first walk, Phil Lettley, organised all the events. However, the group grew so large that in summer 2023 we switched to being community run with the whole group encouraged to add their own events.

“Now there are several members who host their own social events on a regular basis, as well as some adding one off events.

“We’re just approaching 2,000 members.”

Fiona moved to Wellington from Hemyock in 2021 following a divorce and didn’t know anyone locally.

“After a few months living alone and working from home I started to feel lonely and wanted to meet more people,” she said.

“As an adult it’s harder to make friends, whether you’ve just moved into a new area or lived here for years. It is easy to feel isolated, especially after Covid.

“Wellington Friends helps overcome that problem, getting people together who are all actively seeking friendship.

“What started as a walking group of 10 people very swiftly turned into a very active social group with hundreds of members.

“I never imagined Wellington Friends would take off the way it did. It’s a truly supportive community where members have built lifelong friendships.”

Lorna, Michelle, Julie and Gill are all “founding” members of Wellington Friends, having joined in early 2022, and have all had their lives changed because of it, they say.

Michelle Dainow joined the group that year despite living in Langport at the time.

She said: “I felt I needed to extend my social circle, so I joined a walk where I met Fiona and Phil.”

“I thought, this is a really good group, they’re really nice people. So, I decided to take the plunge and move over here.”

“At that time, I had no idea that I’d move to Wellington, but it obviously changed my life completely.”

Another member, Lorna Williams, said: “I’ve formed really close bonds with around ten people and I’m one of those people who also met my partner through Wellington Friends.”

Julie Redman, Gill Sellick met Lorna at one of the Wellington Friends curry nights and they have since become firm friends, even recently visiting York on holiday together.

Julie said: “None of us knew each other two years ago and now we all have lifelong friends.”

Gill said: “We think a lot of Fiona because if it weren’t for her, we wouldn’t have met each other.

“Our lives are so full now – there’s always something to do. The group is a big part of our lives.”