Helping tackle loneliness, one connection at a time ❤️

I'm Eleni, founder of Be Dating Beautiful, and this December I'm bringing our singles community together for something a little different.

Six years ago, I got divorced and along the way, I've experienced loneliness myself. It's one of the reasons I created Be Dating Beautiful, a community that brings singles together face to face, through real-life experiences, friendships and hopefully a spark.

In the last year I've welcomed 700 singles to my events. And I've spoken to so many people who have told me how isolated they've felt and how much being part of a community has helped them rebuild their social lives. It's shown me just how powerful connection can be.

But there's another group in our community who are particularly vulnerable to loneliness, and that's older people.

Imagine going five days without seeing another person, having no one to pop round for a chat, share a cup of tea with or ask how your day has been. For some older people, this is a reality, and it becomes especially difficult during the winter and festive period.

That's why I'm supporting Age UK Hertfordshire.

Their befriending service, Tea and Chat sessions and lunch clubs help older people find companionship, build friendships and feel part of their community again. It's such important work, and I hope the money we raise will help them reach and support even more people this winter.

Why 52 singles?

On Wednesday 2nd December, I'm bringing 52 singles together for a festive mystery evening with a purpose.

All ticket money, minus card fees, will be donated to Age UK Hertfordshire. I'll also be holding a raffle/silent auction, with every penny raised going to the charity.

And we're launching 'The 365 Pledges appeal'.

Members of the community can make one small pledge to help someone feel more connected during the year ahead. Together, our aim is to cover all 365 days with little acts of kindness and connection.

Can you help?

Whether you can make a donation, contribute a raffle prize, join our 365 Pledges appeal or simply share this page, every bit of support helps.

Sometimes a conversation, a visit or knowing someone cares is enough to make a difficult week feel a little less lonely.

I've seen what connection can do for people in my own community. Now I'd love us to help make that possible for more older people across Hertfordshire.

One evening together. A little more connection all year round.

Thank you so much for being part of it.

Eleni x