When I moved to Whitstable in October 2022, I didn’t know anyone locally. I work from home, which can sometimes feel quite isolating, and suddenly not having my friends nearby made me realise how important it was to find a community and meet new people.

But I found putting myself out there really difficult. I’ve experienced social anxiety for over 15 years and was diagnosed with ADHD last year, so I know first-hand how daunting walking into a room full of strangers can feel. When I started looking for things to do locally, I also found that many events were either expensive or felt a little cliquey. I wanted something different—somewhere relaxed, affordable and welcoming, where it was completely normal to turn up on your own.

In January 2024, I decided to create that space myself and started 'Whitstable Under the Covers', a local Book Club. What began as a way to meet people has grown into a wonderful community. I’ve met people who have become genuinely good friends, and from the Book Club our Social & Supper Club was born. We now have more than 20 people in our WhatsApp group and various people get together for everything from drag bingo and quizzes to meals out, celebrating birthdays or just getting together on the beach for a chat.

We're all different, with different personalities, lives, backgrounds and experiences—but we share similar values. And I think that's exactly why it works.

From the beginning, it has been really important to me that everyone feels valued, respected and treated with kindness. I want someone coming along for the first time, especially on their own, to feel comfortable and know that they belong.

'Whitstable Under the Crafts' is the next part of that journey and something I've wanted to create since starting the Book Club.

My mission is simple: to bring people together through creativity.

I want to create affordable, friendly and relaxed art/craft workshops where people can meet new people, learn a new skill and enjoy being creative without any pressure to be “good” at it. You don't need to be artistic, experienced or already know someone at the group. You can simply turn up, have a go and be yourself.

Because for me, the craft is only part of it. It's about connection, community and creating the kind of space I was looking for when I first moved to Whitstable—a place where walking in on your own doesn't mean you have to feel alone!