Anyone who has children will know that life after children is somewhat different to life before. I have some distant memory that life was a social flurry of events, dinners out and parties, where my only decision was what to wear. When I first had my twin girls, now three, I knew things would have to change but expected that 'mummy friends' were a given and, by popping along to some baby groups, my new support network would just click into place. Although I had a few friends with children, they were mostly different ages and I realised it wasn't going to be as easy as I first assumed. After some time, I basically had to infiltrate an established group of friends by inviting myself along for coffee.... and (phew) it worked :)
On Tuesday evening I attended a rather unique event organised by two enterprising mamas Caroline Warren and Nikki Atkinson. Having been friends for a long time, they soon realised the challenges of post-baby socialising after having their own children. They realised that it is not always easy to meet with like-minded people and have time to focus on your own needs and wellbeing. And so, 'Pop-Up Mums Events' was born. I attended one of their speed-friending events, but a click on their website will show you just how much they plan to do, including breakfast and cinema clubs.
| Before long Nikki and Caroline brought us together to explain the running of the night and we soon started the first of two rounds of speed-friending. We were grouped first by location and then by age of child, and had four minutes each with six Mums. Time flew over and having only a snapshot with each woman left you keen to chat more during the breaks and at the end of the night. You secretly marked your score sheet at the end and ticked the names of those who you would like to see again. A couple of days after the event we received the contact details of our 'matches' via email. |   |
I very nearly brought a friend with me, but in the true spirit of the ethos of the events I decided to attend alone to give the 'welcome factor' a good run for it's money. I had received a friendly email with finalised details for the event, including directions, parking and a plan for the evening so I felt quite relaxed about going and knew what to expect. I was greeted warmly by the lovely Nikki and Caroline and introduced to some of the other mums, so I didn't feel uncomfortable at all.
| The event was held at the Library Bar in Durham, and we had a selection of juices, hot food and nachos. At the end of the night we received a goody bag - who doesn't love a goody bag! It had a copy of locally produced parent magazine Scrummy Mummies and a marshmallow snowman (you can look out for the Pop-Up Mums at the Christmas Markets, as they promote their events). |  |
When I heard about the speed-friending I immediately thought it was a great idea, and I wasn't disappointed. I feel that it would be especially useful for mums of younger babies and mums who have just moved into the area. I was pleased to hear that they would be offering an event in Newcastle (my hometown) on 18th November as the women I met were all based around the Durham area. Having events closer to home would undoubtedly make new matches more likely. I'm looking forward to trying one of their other events, especially the cinema club. Let the kids enjoy an early screening while you indulge in a beauty treatment, eh, amazing!
Wishing every success to Nikki and Caroline; their passion and positivity deserve it. And here's to lots of new friendships and refreshed mummies across the North East!
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