Am I the right age for HER Wollongong?

It’s a question you might have wondered when you first came across HER Wollongong.

Am I too young? Am I too old? Will there be women there my age?

The lovely thing is, even in these very early days, women in their 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s have already joined HER. I think that says something really special about what HER can become.

Different ages. Different stages. One community.

There are so many times in our lives when our social circles change. You might have moved to the Illawarra and starting again. Your children may have grown up and suddenly life looks a little different. You might be single, separated or starting a new chapter. You might work from home and miss having people around you. Your friendships may have changed over the years. Or maybe nothing dramatic has happened at all — you’d simply love to meet some new women, get out a little more and have people to do things with.

That desire for connection doesn’t have an age limit.

So, who is HER for?

HER is for the woman who’d love to go to brunch but doesn’t always have someone to go with. It’s for the woman who sees something happening locally and thinks, I’d love to do that… if I had someone to go with. It’s for the woman who’s new to the area. The woman who’s lived here forever but would still love to expand her circle. It’s for women at different ages and different stages of life. Because sometimes the people we connect with most aren’t necessarily the same age as us. I know first hand, one of my closest friends in Canberra is 29 years older and we are for sure soul sisters. Miss you Colleen.

Coming on your own? Perfect

One of the most important things I wanted HER Wollongong to be was a community where you don’t need a plus-one. You don’t have to convince a friend to come with you. You don’t need to already know someone. And you certainly don’t need to fit into a particular age bracket. Our gatherings are simply opportunities to come along, say hello, have a coffee, share a meal, go for a stroll, try something new and see where a conversation might lead. Some women will come to lots of things. Others might choose one gathering that feels right for them. There’s no pressure. Just opportunities to connect. And don't worry, if you feel a little scared or perhaps a bit shy, I’ll be in your corner to make sure you always feel welcome.

If you’re wondering what being part of HER might actually look like, there’s plenty ahead.

Over the next couple of months, you’ll see everything from brunches and HER Coffee & Strolls to HER After Hours, wellbeing experiences and relaxed social gatherings.

Some will be small and casual. Some will be a little more social. And some might encourage you to try something completely new. The idea is simple — to create more opportunities for women to get out, meet other women and say yes to something they might otherwise have missed. And to think, we’re only getting started.

Is HER for you?

HER Wollongong is still new, and our community is growing. But already, seeing women across different generations becoming part of HER has made me even more excited about what we can create together. And I say together because I want you to help build this with me.  Have an idea? Let’s make it happen together. I want HER to be a community that supports not only each other, but our wonderful local small businesses too. So, if you’ve been watching from the sidelines and wondering whether HER is for someone like you, my answer is simple:

Yes. There’s room for you here.

You don’t need to know anyone.

You don’t need to bring a friend.

And you definitely don’t need to be a certain age.

Come as you are.

Be part of HER

I can't wait to meet you

Jo - Founder, HER Wollongong