A Hertfordshire woman who built a singles community after her own divorce is asking local people to make one small pledge to help an older neighbour feel less alone, and is hosting a charity mystery night in Hitchin on the 2^nd of December to kick it off.

Eleni Koureas, founder of Be Dating Beautiful in Stevenage, is joining forces with Age UK Hertfordshire this December to raise funds for the charity's friendship and befriending services, while launching a community initiative encouraging people across the county to pledge a small act of kindness.

Christmas is when loneliness is felt most and so the campaign, Hello Hertfordshire, is built around a simple idea.

One pledge. One connection. A little less loneliness.

It could be picking up the phone to an older relative, inviting a neighbour round for a cup of tea, checking in on someone who lives alone or simply taking a few minutes to have a proper conversation.

The aim is 365 pledges by New Year from individuals, families, businesses and community groups across Hertfordshire, collectively inspiring a small act of connection.

The initiative comes as research from Age UK highlights the scale of loneliness among older people. An estimated 270,000 older people in England go an entire week without speaking to a friend or family member.

For Eleni, the issue is particularly close to home. Six years ago, following her divorce, she found herself navigating a very different life from the one she'd imagined. While she initially thought finding a new partner might be the answer, she gradually realised what she was really missing was connection.

"I discovered that sometimes the best thing you can do is put yourself out there, try something new and start building connections. That's ultimately why I created Be Dating Beautiful. I wanted to give people opportunities to meet in real life, make friendships and feel part of something."

Since launching Be Dating Beautiful, Eleni has welcomed over 700 singles to her events over the past year, creating opportunities for people to meet through social activities and experiences rather than traditional speed dating.

But she believes the importance of connection goes far beyond relationship status or age.

"Through BDB, I've seen first-hand what happens when people find their community. I've watched people arrive feeling nervous and leave with new friendships, confidence and plans to meet up again.

"Loneliness can be a pretty dark place, and I can imagine it only gets harder as you get older. I wanted to do something to help make a difference for older people in our community too."

Bringing people together for a bigger purpose

On Wednesday 2nd December, Be Dating Beautiful will host Suspects & Sparks, a mystery Singles Night at The Orange Tree in Hitchin.

The event will bring together 52 singles aged over 40 for an evening of secret roles, clues, detective work and the chance to meet new people.

However, this time there's an added purpose. All ticket money, minus transaction fees, will be donated to Age UK Hertfordshire, with additional funds raised through a raffle, supported by local businesses.

The money will help support Age UK Hertfordshire's work providing opportunities for older people to build friendships and stay connected through its befriending service, Tea and Chat sessions and lunch clubs.

Mark Hanna, Chief Executive of Age UK Hertfordshire, said:

"At Age UK Hertfordshire, we see every day the difference that connection and companionship can make to someone's wellbeing. Loneliness can affect people at any stage of life, but for many older people, regular social contact becomes increasingly difficult due to bereavement, ill health or reduced mobility. Community events that bring people together and help foster meaningful relationships are incredibly valuable."

Eleni hopes the event will not only raise much-needed funds but also encourage more people to think about the small things they can do to help tackle loneliness around them.

Hello Hertfordshire

The Hello Hertfordshire campaign is open to everyone, not just those attending the December event.

There is no fundraising commitment, no expectation to volunteer regularly and no complicated sign-up process. People simply choose one small act of connection they intend to make during the year ahead.

Pledges can be submitted through an online form, with a running total shared across Be Dating Beautiful's social media channels.

"Imagine if we could get 365 people across Hertfordshire to make a pledge," said Eleni. "One small act of connection for every day of the year. That's something as a community we could be incredibly proud to be part of."

People can make their pledge online, donate to the fundraising appeal, attend the event, or support the campaign by contributing a raffle or auction prize.

About Be Dating Beautiful

Be Dating Beautiful is a Hertfordshire-based singles community founded by Eleni Koureas. Through relaxed, activity-led social events, it helps singles meet new people, build friendships and make genuine connections away from dating apps.

The community has welcomed hundreds of singles to events across Hertfordshire and Warwickshire.

https://bedatingbeautiful.com/find-your-tribe/

Make a pledge to connect: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfnZ2dASqDSpQWF0Y_kDTW-C94L_THjogDllCXfLSCm3iT7rQ/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=105294188496962754770