A Harrogate women's community group has officially launched its own dedicated app, designed not to increase screen time, but to encourage more face-to-face connection.
Harrogate Bee Social, which brings together women aged 18 to 80 across the district, has grown to over 1,000 members since launching in September 2025.
The group unveiled its new app on 14th March 2026 as the next stage in its rapid growth.
While many digital platforms focus on online interaction, the Harrogate Bee Social app has a different purpose.
It enables members to book events, join interest groups and receive updates more easily, with the clear intention of helping women step confidently into real-world social spaces.
Since its launch just six months ago, the community has expanded quickly, now hosting between 25+ in-person events every month across Harrogate.
These include coffee mornings, creative workshops, wellness sessions, cinema trips and social evenings, all designed to be welcoming for women attending alone.
Founder Jane Gregory said:
“When we launched in September, we wanted to create something simple, a space where women could meet face-to-face and feel part of their local community.
“Reaching 1,000+ members in such a short space of time shows there is a real appetite for that. The app is just a tool to make things easier; the real impact happens in the room.”
Harrogate Bee Social works closely with a number of local hospitality venues to deliver its varied programme of events and recently collaborated with Harrogate BID during Self Care Week, reinforcing the link between community connection and wellbeing in the town.
Members say the community has had a significant impact.
One member said:
“I joined knowing nobody and was nervous about going on my own. Within one evening I felt completely at ease. It’s changed my social life.”
Another added:
“It’s easy to feel connected online but still be lonely. This has given me proper friendships.”
For more information about Harrogate Bee Social or to download the app, visit www.harrogatebeesocial.co.uk
Harrogate residents urged to put bins out earlier as hot weather continues
Concerns for wildlife after pollution found in River Ure tributary
Oddsocks return to Harrogate with outdoor performance of Romeo & Juliet
Knaresborough's free town walking tours celebrate milestone
Henshaws BedFest raises record-breaking £30,000 for charity
Harrogate and Knaresborough MP pushes for Bilton school to open to avoid 'failing another generation of SEND children'
Starbeck man to take on 500 mile challenge for ambulance charity
Wellbeing day to be launched at Rudding Park this July
Amber heat warning issued for North Yorkshire
Love Island’s Alex Bowen joins Symphonic Ibiza line-up at Great Yorkshire Showground
Love Island star, Molly Mae shares photos of time at Ripon hotel
Full programme revealed for Harrogate Food and Drink Festival
Harrogate cheese shop celebrates successful launch of charcuterie platters
Plant nursery set to be relocated to make way for 3,000-home Maltkiln development
Special milestone for Coppice Valley pupils
Harrogate fashion lovers invited to charity rail sale
Stockeld Park named third best theme park in UK
Historic Harrogate furniture store celebrates 120th year
Popular Harrogate café celebrates 10th anniversary
Knaresborough mum is ninth Free Fuel Friday winner
