Helen Keller once said: “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much” and her words ring truer than ever. Collaboration is a powerful force that drives connection, creativity, knowledge, and progress, allowing us to achieve more than we ever could on our own. This spirit of teamwork is thriving in the Women of Loulé Facebook group, a dynamic collective of 1,600 local women who are taking collaboration to new heights.

Women collaborating have long been a powerful force of transformation, shaping industries, societies and movements throughout history. When women unite, their combined energy, creativity and resilience can overcome hurdles and turn dreams into reality.

One of the key strengths of women’s collaboration is the ability to create support networks – and that’s exactly what Barbara Derber envisioned when she founded the Women of Loulé during the pandemic. Initially, it was just a handful of women on WhatsApp, offering each other help with day-to-day things as the world shut down. That handful grew fast as more and more women, from many different backgrounds, recognised the strengths and support that came as a result of shared interests. Today, Women of Loulé has grown into a thriving Facebook group, now led by Vilamoura resident Jan Felton, bringing together women of all ages to uplift, share, and make a real difference.

Making it happen
Let’s be honest – when women come together, things get done. The impact of solidarity and mutual support is undeniable. When women pool their resources, skills, and knowledge, the results are nothing short of extraordinary. Women of Loulé is a prime example, proving that collective action creates ripples of change far beyond what any individual could accomplish. The group has become such a trusted local resource that even husbands and partners often suggest: “Why don’t you ask the Women of Loulé?”

Jan, who moved to the Algarve from Liverpool three years ago, credits the group with making her transition smoother than she ever imagined. “I stumbled upon the Women of Loulé while searching expat sites for advice,” she recalls. “Women immediately stepped in, answering my questions – whether it was how to go about getting my NIF number or recommending local tradesmen. It all just fell into place.” This sense of community became a lifeline for Jan, and in turn, she began paying it forward, helping newcomers as she once had been helped.

“You’re always paying it forward,” she says, “because you know something that can help someone else avoid those same struggles. It’s that feeling of ‘well, I know this, let’s not put someone else through that situation’. It’s where I made the friends I have now, it’s just such an incredible community.”

The group even pauses membership over the summer to manage the huge influx of requests from holidaymakers dreaming of relocating to the Algarve. Jan’s focus since taking the reins has been increasing events and community involvement, from coffee mornings and art classes to boat trips and paragliding. Social get-togethers became a priority due to the potential for loneliness among members during Algarve winters. Jan says: “It’s very much a summer resort and a summer community in the Algarve, I think it’s important that my members have a support network around them in the winter months and don’t just sit around waiting for March. Some of the older ladies in the group who don’t have family out here can find it quite isolating,” she explains. By actively involving members in co-hosting events, she has created a dynamic, engaged community that thrives year-round.

Reaching out
But it’s not just about socialising. Women of Loulé has also embraced charity work, supporting local causes like Alerta,
the Forest Fire Alert Association, and the local fire service.
Their first major fundraiser, a zip line over the River Guadiana from Spain to Portugal, raised €9,000 for Alerta. The event was a hit, with members in their 70s taking the exhilarating 80km/h cross-border plunge. “It really sparked the interest of the group,” Jan laughs.

The group also supports the Red Cross, who in turn support vulnerable women and children of all nationalities across the Algarve. Women of Loulé organises weekly donations from members, coordinating pick-up and delivery to Faro. “We’ve got a rota, and the women are brilliant at keeping everything organised,” Jan says proudly.

And it’s clear that while social events are important, giving back to the community is at the heart of the Women of Loulé’s mission. “It’s lovely to arrange nice social events for the group but sometimes we need to remember where we live and what’s around us and think about what we can do to help,” she adds.

Jan is particularly passionate about raising awareness for breast cancer, having been diagnosed with cancer herself. “We’ve had many conversations in the group about it,” she shares. “So many women don’t know where to go when they find a lump, and not everyone has private insurance. We’re trying to educate people that there is a charity out there that will screen you for free. Nobody knew about it!”

In response, the group has partnered with the Algarve Oncology Association to host a Pink Tea Party fundraiser on 8 October at Anantara Vilamoura resort. Tickets are €10 and include a welcome drink, live music, a raffle, a talk from Algarve Oncology, and the opportunity to be screened by a nurse. Men are welcome too!

First aid events, hosted by the local fire station, are also a staple of the group’s activities, showing that Women of Loulé is about much more than just having a good time. “I want it to feel like a community where we support each other while also supporting the world around us,” Jan says. “I love it, and I can’t imagine my life without it.”

Women of Loulé has truly set the bar for community support and action. The only question is, who’s going to take up the mantle and start the Men of Loulé? Any volunteers?

Keen to join the Women of Loulé Facebook group? Women of all ages can join, providing you live within the Loulé area.

Words: Sally Dixon