Shoalhaven social connections has become so popular with Milton-Ulladulla locals the group has now sprouted its own branch meeting weekly in the area.
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Started in October 2015 by Sophia Soul of Sanctuary Point, Shoalhaven social connections was formed as a way of encouraging locals to get out, explore the area and meet new faces.
“It's a social gathering group for anyone,” Sophia said.
“Especially to help people who are socially isolated to make new friends and to explore the area.
“We have people who attend who have various challenges and we welcome anyone who would like to come.
“We go through the whole of the Shoalhaven from Ulladulla to Kiama.”
“It’s rather nice. I'm originally from Sydney and trying to meet people here so it’s lovely to have this little group that meets up,” Coleen Ringe of Milton said.
Shoalhaven social connections uses the website www.meetup.com to organise and list social gatherings for anyone in the region to attend.
“We do weekdays, weekends, a number different days so everyone can attend something,” Sophia said.
“We have a regular meditation group on a Friday in Jervis Bay, a book club once a month in the Bay and Basin and now a weekly catch up in Milton-Ulladulla area for coffee and lunch.”
Sophia explained after starting the group nine months ago, five subgroups have emerged including the Milton-Ulladullla group.
“It started in October last year and now we have about five different groups meeting on their own,” she said.
“They just let me know what they have organised, I add it to the list on www.meetup.com and publicise it on Facebook.
“I encourage people as much as possible to do their own thing.
“If you don't have the Internet its not a major a problem because I will call people from time to time and let them know what is coming up.”
We do weekdays, weekends, a number different days so everyone can attend something,
- Sophia Soul
Knowing she wasn’t the only person who wanted to meet new people Sophia decided to start Shoalhaven social connections to engage with like-minded people.
“I knew I wasn’t the only person who likes to get out and see things in the Shoalhaven,” she said.
“There is just so much to do and see
“We do markets, tours, anything anyone wants to do.
“We even have walking groups across the Shoalhaven too.”
Shoalhaven social connections is open to anyone who would like to attend.
“Anyone can come along, the group isn't exclusively for women and it’s open to any age group,” Sophia said.
“Parents are encouraged to bring their children and people can bring their dogs too.
“The majority of the group are older or retirees but that’s just because they have more time.
“We have lots of young people and families who attend our walking groups
Shoalhaven social connections next meeting is July 31 at Mollymook Markets at 10am followed by brunch.
For further information please contact Sophia Soul on 0402 518 122 or visit www.meetup.com/shoalhaven-contemplations.