Becky Saunders, the creator behind Get Reviewed Liverpool, has launched Girls Who Gather, a new community helping women across Sefton make friends through affordable local events.
The 39-year-old mum of two from Litherland has spent six years building a following of more than 30,000 people, sharing restaurants, independent businesses and experiences across Liverpool and beyond.
Now, she is bringing that sense of connection beyond social media, creating welcoming spaces where women can meet others who live nearby.
Inspired by her own experiences of anxiety and loneliness, Girls Who Gather hosts small social gatherings, from coffee mornings and meals to creative workshops.
“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,” Becky said.
“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.”
Becky hopes that speaking openly about her experiences will encourage others to seek support and feel less alone.
“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
Get Reviewed Liverpool began almost by accident, after a colleague joked about Becky’s habit of posting pictures of her lunch.
During lockdown, she started featuring local bakeries and small businesses, gradually building a loyal audience for her relatable reviews.
“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,” she said.
“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.”
Behind the restaurant visits and edited videos, however, Becky was experiencing serious mental health challenges.
As her sons grew into teenagers, she also found herself with more free time but fewer opportunities to socialise, with friends often busy with partners and younger children.
“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.”
Building Friendships Across Sefton
With many social events centred around Liverpool city centre, Lark Lane and Sefton Park, Becky wanted to create opportunities closer to home.
Keeping gatherings in Sefton allows women to meet people nearby while supporting businesses in the borough.
“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,” she said.
Girls Who Gather launched with a coffee morning on 20 September, followed by a tapas evening attended by 20 women. Its November Paint and Sip event sold out in just five days.
Becky deliberately keeps the gatherings small to help attendees feel comfortable, particularly those arriving on their own.
“Loneliness has no age limit and neither do my social gatherings,” she said.
“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 Cake Decorating In Crosby
The next Girls Who Gather event takes place in Crosby on Saturday 5 December 2026, with a festive cake decorating workshop.
Tickets cost £30 per person, including a ready-made cake to decorate and a welcome glass of prosecco or a non-alcoholic alternative.
Plans for 2027 include a January lunch, pottery painting, jewellery-making workshops, informal walks and coffee mornings. As the community grows, Becky hopes to introduce two larger gatherings each month.
“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,” she said.
“Sometimes the smallest things, like a coffee, a conversation or a walk with someone new, can make the biggest difference.”
Follow @girls_who_gather_sefton to find out more.
