Why Women’s Circles in the UK Are Growing — and Why They’re Vital for Women’s Mental Health and Emotional Wellbei
As a woman in my 50s, I’ve seen how easy it is to become disconnected — from ourselves, from each other, and from real, meaningful community. In a world that’s more online than ever, many of us are feeling the quiet weight of isolation. That’s why I believe women’s circles in the UK are rising at just the right time.
These simple yet powerful gatherings are offering something many of us have been missing: connection, support, and a safe space to share what’s really going on beneath the surface.
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| Women's circle and story sharing, honouring each other and forming a community. |
What Is a Women’s Circle?
A women’s circle is a supportive group where women gather to share, reflect, and connect. It’s a space free of judgement, competition, or pressure — where we can simply be ourselves. Often held in cosy settings with candles, cushions, and calm energy, circles create space to slow down, breathe, and connect deeply with others.
Each circle is different, but many include:
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Guided meditations or grounding practices
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Reflection on shared themes (like grief, change, self-worth, or menopause)
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Time for journaling, sharing stories, or quiet listening
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Gentle movement or creative expression
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A closing ritual for peace and integration
It’s not therapy, but it’s deeply therapeutic.
The Importance of Real Community in a Digital World
So much of our world is now digital. From social media to work emails, we’re constantly plugged in but often feel emotionally flat or unseen. As women over 50, many of us are navigating major life transitions — menopause, empty nests, changing relationships, or new careers — and we’re craving spaces where we can be real.
This is where the power of community for women comes in.
Women’s circles provide the in-person (or even virtual) community we need to feel connected, grounded, and emotionally safe. They give us the reminder that we’re not alone, and that our experiences — however messy, joyful, or complex — are valid and shared.
Women with ADHD and Autism Are Leading the Way
One beautiful thing I’ve noticed is how many neurodiverse women in the UK — especially those with ADHD or autism — are not only attending these circles, but also becoming facilitators. After years of masking, overthinking, or feeling “too much,” many are finding deep healing in these inclusive, low-pressure spaces.
They’re bringing their unique insight and empathy to create accessible, welcoming environments — often with sensory-aware setups, clear structure, and an emphasis on emotional safety.
As awareness of ADHD in women and late autism diagnosis grows, women’s circles are becoming vital for those finally learning how to care for themselves in more authentic and compassionate ways.
Why Letting Emotions Out Matters
We’ve been raised to be strong, capable, and to keep going. But strength without space to process can turn into burnout, anxiety, and emotional numbness.
In the circle, we get permission to let go.
We can cry. We can speak the truths we’ve buried. We can share stories we thought no one else would understand — and be met with nods of recognition instead of silence.
Letting those emotions out is not weakness. It’s release. It’s healing. And it often leads to a deeper sense of clarity, peace, and self-acceptance.
Why Women’s Circles Matter — Especially Now
From menopause support in the UK to emotional wellbeing during life transitions, women’s circles are becoming a vital resource for mental health. They offer what so many traditional systems don’t: time, space, softness, and shared wisdom.
For me, and for many other women in midlife, these spaces have been life-changing. Not because they “fix” anything — but because they allow us to show up exactly as we are, and be held.
So if you’re feeling the pull, trust it. Whether you attend a local group, join an online circle, or even start your own, know this: you are not alone — and you don’t have to carry everything by yourself.
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| Women dancing enjoying freedom of movement in a women's circle gathering UK. |
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