A YOUNG woman has voiced her delight after a small social media group she started among close friends rocketed to 38,000 members in a matter of months.

Chloe Todd started Girlsmouth as a safe online space for women in Colchester to socialise and support each other.

The group has since blossomed with thousands of women from across the world now using the space as an opportunity to tackle tough issues such as mental health and struggling relationships.

Mum-of-one Chloe, from Alresford, says she has been “overwhelmed” by how the group had brought girls and women together.

She said: “I started this group on Facebook not thinking it would be big at all, just a space where friends could share and talk.

“But then it suddenly took off really quickly.

“It had 10,000 members within one month and it now stands at 38,000.

“We now have admins from all over the world.”

Users can share light-hearted and amusing posts with each other in the group, or seek advice about more serious problems in their lives.

The 20-year-old, who is hoping to expand the group to feature a website, added: “The purpose has mainly remained the same, to chat, get to know each other and make new friends.

“There will be funny and light-hearted posts, but some girls have told me it has changed their life.

“We have covered so much, some really deep situations.

“One lady who was struggling with IVF actually found an egg donor through Girlsmouth.

“It was absolutely amazing to hear of the group making a difference in that way.

“Girls who are normally withdrawn or suffering with their mental health have found Girlsmouth gets them talking to people and making friends.

“We also try and post regular videos about the issues that women face, for example we had a live video about domestic violence.

“We do take the group seriously, I feel like this is something with a lot of potential.

“I am currently working on expanding Girlsmouth to feature a website and am looking at getting the name Trademarked.

“It has been so popular a boys’ version of the group has been started as well.”