Hello both!
Re babysitters, one good tip, I think, is to contact local nurseries. Their more junior members of staff are often poorly paid, and keen to earn a bit of evening cash, yet you know they have had training and experience with children and will have had a CRB check.
Alternatively you can ask a young person-not too young and preferably one with very local parents. The family next door had a teenage girl when my eldest was a toddler and she was wonderful. I also knew that in the case of any problem, her mum and dad were next door. Another possibility is an "adopt a granny" approach. Often an older person whose family have long grown up would be happy to do occasional babysits in return for being taken for their weekly shop or even enjoy a visit from you and your child(ren) or some bits and bobs of tasks round the home such as mowing their lawn.
Unfortunately we can't recommend any however I wonder if you could look in a student magazine perhaps, although it is always better to have someone word of mouth.
Or what about childcare students who may be interested? Please let us know if you find one and how you found them.
Best of Luck SunshineGirl!
PS Love your name, really positive! Are you planning on going into eve and weekend work? Or just needing some free time??
Hi SunshineGirl
When you say become a bit more sociable, are you interested in taking up a course/class? Or just getting out with friends for a drink??
Some gyms do have creches, but they vary in opening times.
I also wondered whether you have a friend who may be looking for a baby sitter? You could double up as then it becomes a cheaper option or have each others child one night a week fortnightly, then you both get to go out? 
Yeah let me know if u find one!!!