Darwen dad's bid to unite single people with Facebook group that's 'not a dating site'

Stephen Walker from Darwen decided to create the private Facebook group, Single Friends United, as a way of allowing other single people to connect, regardless of whether they have children or not.

The group, which has amassed more than 600 members since it was launched in November, prides itself on not being a dating site, and Mr Walker said he has chosen 'a small, amazing admin team who were specifically selected for their different strengths' in order to oversee the group's content and ensure members feel safe and valued.

Ste Walker and the admin team for Single Friends United

The group description states: "We aim to create a fun, safe place where we can interact online and eventually, when we are free from Covid, we will be meeting up to form friendships, which as single people we know can be extremely difficult to make."

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One member, 41-year-old Ruth Dale, from Blackburn, said she joined the group after being a member of the Single Parents United network.

Ms Dale said: "The group was created by Ste who I used to go to school with, so I thought I would support him in his new venture.

"I am a recently single mum of two girls and with lockdown I thought it would be a good way to meet new friends and chat online.

"The group is made up of single people from all over the country, and I think I have even seen a couple of comments or posts from people further afield too."

Single dad Ste Walker, left, and James Niven, right, talking on their new YouTube channel

Ms Dale said she loves the concept behind the group as it brings people together to share their experiences and stories, as well as providing a much needed laugh and support through the current situation.

She added: "There's no animosity, everyone is genuinely really nice and I feel comfortable commenting and posting within the group.

"I was friends with a couple of members before I joined but feel I could contact any of the admin team should I need help or support with anything, as well as a couple of the other members of the group."

Ste Walker

As well as general chit chat and comments, admins post at regular times each day, asking members what they might be having for tea, or what they miss most about life before Covid.

There's also a Monday wellbeing post, and the team organise Zoom events such as quizzes.

Ste Walker

Ms Dale continued: "You can do as much or as little as you like on the Zoom events. you can just sit and listen to the goings on or get stuck in for a good chat.

"That's the good thing about the group, you aren't expected to post, comment or get involved with the Zoom events, you can just sit back and do as much or as little as you want.

"There's no pressure to get involved at all but once you do you will want to continue and you will find lots of people to welcome you.

"I can't wait for lockdown to be over then we can meet-up properly for social events."

Single Friends United can be found on Facebook, but the admin team stress that negative posts will not be tolerated, nor will phishing for dates or any overly-sexual comments.