How Solo Connects Transformed My Life

This blog post is from Roxana, a 45 year old mum of three, proud grandma to two little ones and now host of Solo Connects in Northamptonshire & Warwickshire. Roxana came to the UK 11 years ago from her native Romania. This is her Solo Connects story.

For most of my life, I’ve been strong, independent, and always the one looking after others.

But earlier this year, something shifted.

Despite a full life on paper, I found myself feeling unexpectedly alone. My children were busy building their own futures, friends had their own routines, and my days slowly grew quieter. It was too quiet.

By September, I was in a difficult emotional place. I missed connection, companionship, and simply having someone to talk to. One evening, searching for something — anything — that might make me feel less alone, I came across Solo Connects. Something about the warmth of the posts and the honesty of the members made me click “Join.”

I didn’t know it then, but that single moment would change everything.

My First Event: From Fear to Belonging

Only a week after joining, I decided to attend my first Singles Meet-Up event. I was nervous to the point of shaking. Walking into a room of strangers felt overwhelming, and part of me wanted to turn back.

But then Sam — one of the founders of Solo Connects — met me at the door. With a smile, a warm welcome, she made all my anxiety melt away. Within minutes, I felt comfortable. Within an hour, I felt like I belonged.

That evening opened a new chapter in my life.

Chasing Connection - an hour away!

What happened next surprised even me.

I attended three more events — each over an hour’s drive from where I live.

People kept asking me:

“Why travel so far?”

And my answer was simple:

“Because we don’t have anything like this in my area — and because the people I’ve met here are worth every mile.”

I made friends. Real friends.I laughed again.

I went on three dates — nothing more happened, but we chose friendship, and that alone was a beautiful outcome.

For the first time in a long time, I wasn’t lonely anymore. I felt connected, included, and alive.

A New Opportunity: Leading My Community

Just one month after joining the group, Sam and Rachel invited me to take over on a bigger role; hosting events in my area and supporting others on their journey to connections, friendships and confidence.I said yes. And just like that, a new purpose unfolded.

Overnight, I became the host of two Solo Connects groups with around 100 members each. Within a month, both groups grew to nearly 300 amazing people, all looking for friendship, laughter, connection, and the courage to start again.

We held our first official event on November 27th, and more dates are already lined up for January.

It’s not always easy — planning, organising, finding venues — but every message of gratitude, every smile at an event, every new friendship formed makes it more than worth it.

My greatest satisfaction?

Seeing people happy. Watching strangers become friends. Creating a safe place where no one feels alone.

If You’re Reading This and Feeling Unsure…

I have one message for you:

Take the step.

Show up.

Don’t wait for life to change — be the one who changes it.

If you’re nervous, come anyway.

If you feel too shy, come anyway.

If your confidence is low, come anyway.

I felt all of that — and yet here I am, proof that one decision can transform your entire world.

Your next chapter might start the moment you walk through the door.

Mine certainly did.