Girls on the GO: Liverpool’s very own wellness community for women goes global

But how did it all begin? One of the founders, Stephanie Barney, shared the story of Girls On The Go and how beneficial wellbeing is to a future of success. 

Making Liverpool ‘less lonely for girls’: How GOTG began…

‘Girls On The Go’ was founded by Stephanie Barney, Martin Mach and Caitlin Lewiing on the 29th September 2023, starting as a beginner-friendly running group to get girls into running. Ten months later this organisation has grown substantially reaching over 70,000 Instagram followers, as well as stretching to other cities in the UK such as Manchester and Birmingham. 

It doesn’t stop there however. They’ve now been asked to expand to New Zealand, Thailand and Geneva. The girls have gone global!  

But how did this weekly run club transform so successfully? Stephanie Barney kindly shared her wisdom with WiB, revealing how GOTG began and what this organisation has encountered along the way. With a mission of ‘making Liverpool a less lonely place for girls’, it has certainly been a success with thousands swarming their socials.

The three founders of the organisation all studied at the University of Liverpool; Stephanie studied Biomed, Caitlin studied Law and Martin studied Business and Crimonology, highlighting the spectrum of skill sets within this trio. 

However, Post Uni of Liverpool life brought new beginnings, revealing some harsh realities for Stephanie. She stated how working from home eliminates the actual ‘being’ amongst a community of like minded people. This then sparked the creation of GOTG as a safe social space to enhance wellbeing and encourage women to start something new together. 

The constant involvement of alcohol in out-of-work activities also influenced this organisation, as drinking isn’t favoured by everyone and there was a need for sober socials. 

From fashion shows to self care socials, charity events and balls, what’s not to like? 

The Holy Trinity of Wellbeing: Mental, Physical and Social

Despite the excitement experienced by many at university, it can also be a place of isolation and loneliness. GOTG founder, Stephanie, emulated the detrimental impacts on students mental health when wellbeing is not prioritised. As this is something WiB would like to raise awareness of, Stephanie shared a routine that instead focuses around mental, physical and social wellbeing which paves a way for enhancing wellbeing.

You’re probably thinking ‘I’ve heard this before and it’s just common knowledge’. Well, in a way you’re right. But let's be real now. This well known advice does actually work. 

The holy trinity of your nature - the balance in your mental, physical and social wellbeing should align within your routine in order to get the most out of your life. This can include healthy eating, moving your body daily, socialising and starting a hobby you love.  

By this, I am not by any means disregarding a sweet treat and a night out you do not recall with your pals. It is about balance. Especially when you’re in a space of constant change!

However, unhealthy habits at university can become normalised and are disregarded easily. We’re all allowed days when our bad habits may creep up on us. That’s life. But when you're in a constant state of being hungover and demotivaved, this will only breed procrastination and eventually harmful mental health patterns. Once you start making yourself accountable by applying a routine this will influence a change - and will welcome a new-found wellbeing.

Why Joining GOTG is a Must: Go for it! 

If you’re someone who feels as though their university routine has become tedious, lonely or are just in need of some spontenaity and something new, Girls On The Go is the move (literally). Whether you join alone or with a friend there’s something for everyone. It's a space where conversations flow, friends are made and most importantly it’s a welcoming environment with the purpose of enhancing women’s wellbeing. 

In an age where social connectivity is rising through online platforms, it is also declining against in-person connections. We must not forget to savour these spontaneous encounters but rather continue to welcome new experiences and people. 

The growth of Girls On The Go shows how the small ideas that speak to your soul can really turn into a reality. The success of this organisation has grown from the ability to use a whole spectrum of skills - Stephanie stressed this to WiB through being open to experimenting, experiencing new things and enduring patience within a process of what could be. 

Living a social life does not have to decline when uni does - it can restart! But most of all, prioritising your mental, physical and social wellbeing will set a firm foundation for future happiness and success stories.