I have been working with this group of mums since May 2022. It originally started as a 4-week baby massage class provided by the charity I volunteer for. After the baby massage class, the mums were keen to stay and have a chat with each other so I facilitated that. The babies were all around the same age so they were able to share experiences and tips with each other. It was expressed by the majority of the mums that they would like to organise meet ups over the summer along with other children they may have, so that is where Easy Peasy pods and I came in.
Starting a pod was so beneficial for this group of mums as it meant I was able to use the funding to organise trips and days out for the group. In addition to this, I was able to provide light lunches, snacks and drinks. We all pre-set the dates together to make sure they suited as many of the group as possible. As you can see we managed to hold three meet ups over the Summer months and had a good turnout of mums and children at all of them.
In doing this over Summer, the impact it has had on this group of mums is so positive in many ways. It provided a major social aspect to their lives as the majority of them could be classed as socially isolated. It has created new friendships as they communicate and meet up outside our designated times. It also provides a support system for them as they provide emotional support and practical advice to one another based on their own experiences.
As the volunteer leader coordinating the group, I have been encouraging the use of the Easy Peasy app. I have found the app very beneficial as it has so many hints and tips on parenting and many different ideas on creative, sensory play. I am currently trying to get the whole group to download the app and share any ideas/hints/tips they may have to the wider community.
In going forward, as their volunteer, I want to expand this group to include more families from our local area. Ideally I would like to provide a weekly/bi-weekly meet up going forward to continue with the positive impact this pod has already had.