A successful leisure, lifestyle and hospitality content creator is using her influence beyond social media to help women forge friendships and connections closer to home.
Becky Saunders, 39, a mother of two from Litherland, has launched Girls Who Gather, a series of affordable social events inspired by her own experiences of anxiety and loneliness during one of the most difficult periods of her life.
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.”
Having spent six years building Get Reviewed Liverpool into a successful platform with more than 30,000 followers, Becky understands the power of social media to connect people and support independent businesses.
What began almost by accident, when a colleague joked about her habit of posting pictures of her lunch, has grown into a recognised platform showcasing restaurants, hospitality venues and experiences across Liverpool and beyond.
During lockdown, Becky began featuring local bakeries and small businesses, gradually developing a loyal following and establishing a reputation for her engaging, relatable reviews.
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.”
But behind the restaurant visits, exciting experiences and carefully edited videos, Becky admits life hasn’t always been as it appears on social media.
Speaking candidly about the severity of her mental health struggles, Becky revealed that she had reached a point where 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.”
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 partners and younger children.
“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 gatherings were concentrated around Liverpool city centre, Lark Lane and Sefton Park, Becky recognised an opportunity to create something in her home borough.
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 held its first event on 20 September with a coffee morning, followed by a tapas evening attended by 20 women. Its November Paint and Sip gathering sold out in just five days.
Becky deliberately keeps the gatherings intimate to ensure everyone feels comfortable and welcome.
“Loneliness has no age limit and neither do my social gatherings,” she added.
“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.”
The next Girls Who Gather event takes place in Crosby on Saturday 5 December, with a festive cake decorating workshop priced at £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 and informal walks and coffee mornings, with Becky hoping to introduce two larger monthly gatherings as the community grows.
Alongside her professional achievements, Becky has made positive lifestyle changes, including giving up alcohol and embracing regular exercise and walking to support her physical and mental wellbeing.
Looking ahead, she hopes to continue developing Get Reviewed Liverpool while establishing Girls Who Gather as a welcoming 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.”
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