'It's like Tinder for friends': the 'speed mate-ing' events helping girls combat loneliness

What if there was a speed-dating event that aimed to help you find friendship rather than romance?

A group called Girl Gang Manchester have set up 'speed mate-ing' events to help girls meet new people and spark new friendships.

Megan Marie Griffith, founder of Girl Gang, said: "People are constantly putting stuff out online, but aren't speaking to new people as much."

A study by the British Red Cross in 2016 reported that eight out of 10 under 34-year-olds identified as 'always or often lonely'.

Rebecca and Lola were both struggling to meet new people, but met at one of the events and became best friends.

Lola said: "When you're in school, you're pushed into a situation where you form friendships.

"When you go out into the real world, it can become quite isolating."

This clip is originally from 5 live.