At Connected Brighton, we’re all about building community, supporting local businesses, and helping you connect with the best that our wonderful city has to offer. But the story behind our brand is a deeply personal one. It’s the story of our very own Lyndsey Clay, who founded Connected Brighton as a way to overcome her own challenges and help others find the connections and support they were looking for in Brighton.
In this blog post, Lyndsey takes us through her journey – from the emotional and physical struggles that led to the creation of Connected Brighton to the incredible impact the community has had on local businesses and individuals alike.
The content from this blog has been taken from Connected Brighton Podcast - Episode 39 - The one with Lyndsey Clay.
From Loneliness to Community – A Personal Journey
It wasn’t always this way. I’ve always loved Brighton, and I’ve always had a strong connection to this city. But there was a time in my life when, despite knowing so many people and being involved in a career I was proud of, I felt incredibly lonely. It was a strange feeling – being surrounded by people, but feeling like I didn’t belong.
I went through infertility treatments, suffered a miscarriage, and ultimately found myself navigating life after a divorce. Suddenly, I was in my 40s, single, and childless, while everyone around me seemed to have everything I thought I should have. I felt completely out of sync with my peer group and overwhelmed by the pressure to conform. It wasn’t just the physical loss I was facing – it was the emotional and social displacement.
I had a great career and a lovely friendship circle, but nothing seemed to fill the void I was feeling. That’s when I started to take a deeper look at my life and think about what I needed to do to change my own trajectory.
Creating a Space for Connection
What I discovered during that time was that the loneliness I was experiencing was something many others also felt, no matter their age or circumstances. I wasn’t the only one struggling with finding my place in the world. And that’s when the idea for Connected Brighton was born.
The pandemic gave me the push I needed to start something new – something that would help people like me who were looking for a way to build connections, support local businesses, and simply find joy in the city we all love. I began with just a simple idea: to create a space where people could meet, connect, and experience the best Brighton had to offer, while supporting the local businesses that are the heart and soul of this city.
What started as an Instagram account and a few small events has turned into something so much more. Connected Brighton is a community where we support each other, make lasting connections, and put our money back into the local businesses that make Brighton so special.
Supporting Local Businesses – A Lifeline
One of the most powerful things about what we’ve built here at Connected Brighton is the ability to support local businesses. During the pandemic, I saw so many of these incredible businesses struggling to survive, and I wanted to do everything I could to help. Brighton’s independent cafés, restaurants, and shops are what make this city unique, and it became my mission to ensure that they would thrive again.
I always say that small businesses are the heartbeat of a city. They are the places that give a city its character and charm. By supporting them, we’re not just helping individual businesses – we’re helping our entire community flourish.
When I started organising events through Connected Brighton, I made it a priority to focus on small, independent businesses. Whether it was dining at a new restaurant or going on a fun kayaking trip, I wanted to create experiences that were not just fun but also gave back to the places that make Brighton so vibrant.
The Impact of Connection
Since launching Connected Brighton, I’ve had the privilege of watching this community grow. People who came to our events looking for new friends have formed lasting relationships. Businesses that needed a boost have found new customers and collaborators. The sense of connection that I was craving so much in my own life has become a reality for so many others, and I couldn’t be prouder.
One of the things that fills me with the most joy is hearing from people who’ve told me they would have left Brighton if it weren’t for the friendships they’ve made through Connected Brighton. That’s why we do what we do – to create a space where people can feel at home, supported, and seen. It’s not just about having fun, it’s about building a community.
Looking to the Future
Looking ahead, I’m incredibly excited about what’s next for Connected Brighton. Over the past four years, we’ve grown from a small group of friends into a thriving community. And now, we’re expanding our reach even further. With the launch of our Connected 100 business club, we’re able to support even more local businesses by connecting them with other businesses and helping them grow.
In addition to supporting local businesses, I’ve also been working with Visit Brighton to help enhance the visitor experience in our city. Through curated events and experiences, we’re helping visitors to Brighton experience everything our city has to offer – while also supporting local businesses in the process.
Ultimately, my goal is to continue to grow Connected Brighton and expand this community to other parts of the UK. I want to see Connected communities spring up in other cities, each supporting their own local businesses and creating opportunities for connection.
How You Can Get Involved
If you want to be a part of what we’re doing here at Connected Brighton, there are so many ways to get involved:
Join our social club: Whether you’re new to the city or simply looking to meet like-minded people, our social events are the perfect way to connect and have fun.
Support local businesses: When you support the businesses we recommend, you’re not only getting a great experience – you’re helping our city thrive.
Get involved in the awards: Voting for local businesses in awards like the Bravo Awards and Brighton Girl Awards can make a huge difference for these businesses. We're excited to share that both Connected Brighton and Lyndsey have been nominated in the Brighton Girl Awards! Your vote can help us continue to make a positive impact on our city. Vote for us here!
Become a Connected100 business club member: If you’re a business owner, consider joining our Connected 100 business club to expand your reach and connect with other local businesses.
If you’re ready to join our community or learn more about what we do, head to www.connectedbrighton.com and get involved today.
The content from this blog has been taken from Connected Brighton Podcast - Episode 39 - The one with Lyndsey Clay.
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