A SOCIAL networking group for single parents in the North West has been set up by a single dad from East Lancashire.

Solo Parents United is a North West social networking group founded by Ste Walker from Darwen.

Mr Walker, who runs two other single parent networking groups, including Single Parents United, which has members all across the UK, decided to launch an exclusively North West group to make arranging meet ups more accesible.

Mr Walker said: "The group is run by two mums and two dads.

"There is also a team of influencers who help put members at ease who might be nervous about meeting new people.

"Any solo parent can join as long as they don't live with their partner.

"I set the group up in March and the vision is to end social isolation and empower solo parents to try new things with new people."

The group, which is primarily based online but will host real life events and meet-ups sees single or solo parents participating in online quizzes, engaging in discussions via Zoom, and getting to know one-another in a friendly, non-judgemental way. 

Mr Walker added: "Our big attraction is local community events such as Witton Park, Darwen Tower, Lytham St Anne's beach and holidays.

"My other group, Single Parents United was a UK Group, but Solo Parents is based in the North West and is more about local friendships and support, managed by a group of volunteers."

Mr Walker said the group is attracting 10 new members every day and has amassed a following of 400 people in just two months. 

And with recent events at Lytham beach and a kids party at Highfield Church in Darwen proving popular with solo parents from across the region, Mr Walker hopes the group can go from strength to strength.

MORE: Darwen dad launches YouTube channel to help isolated single parents through lockdown and beyond

Mr Walker's other networking group, Single Parents United also launched a dedicated YouTube channel during lockdown, that's packed with videos designed to help single parents through positivity and fun.

If you're a solo parent and want to find out more, visit the group's Facebook page.