Local women celebrate diversity with new social group

A group providing a safe space for younger women to socialise and connect has launched in Melksham.

The Sundaze Club launched on Saturday 21st September at The Bear and aims to provide a friendly and welcoming space for women to meet others and be themselves. The group, created by two local women, Becky and Kadie, plans to meet once a month, with the possibility of meeting more frequently.

Both Becky and Kadie are neurodivergent and
wanted to create a space where other neurodivergent women can feel accepted

“We sat down one day talking about how it’s surreal in this day and age that people can still get left out of social circles and made to feel different,” said Becky. “We want to change that really.”

“Kadie and I have both been misunderstood over the years because of being neurodivergent or taken advantage of and it’s so sad to see that it happens over and over again to people; it can be challenging to find a safe space to be yourselves these days.”

The group is open to women aged between 18 and 36, and at the first event, 10 women attended.

“Everyone had a lovely time, and they are looking forward to the next one. The group of girls got on so well; it was a lovely atmosphere, and it was a delight to have spent the morning with like-minded people,” explained Becky.

“The group is just a space for women to be themselves and feel included. We wanted to do something for a long time; we weren’t sure what it was going to look like. We even considered a podcast, but then we stripped it back to wanting to create a safe space for women to feel celebrated in who they are. There is a lot of pressure on how young women should be and how they should present themselves, and as two neurodivergent people who have had different experiences, we knew we could make a change.”

“We’ve got lots of ideas, and we are aiming to support independent businesses. We are also planning to go to different places in the surrounding areas too.”

Kadie has a yoga and nature-loving background, while Becky has a musical background and grew up in the countryside. Becky said, “These things enrich our lives and we wanted to help enrich the lives of others and hold space for celebrating being authentically you.

“Some people may want to open up about their struggles, whilst someone else might want to come with a book and sit in the corner; that is more than ok as well, as we wanted everyone to feel included and comfortable.”

The next met up will take place on Sunday 12th October. If anyone is interested in joining the group, contact the Sundaze Club via Instagram @the_sundaze_club

Pictured: L-R Kadie and Becky