Mummy Buddy is a fantastic resource for new mums, offering a variety of ways to find a friendly community, ranging from their award winning peer-to-peer support programme, to smaller groups, bigger groups (usually with a glass of wine!) and topic-based expert led sessions to empower and reassure. It started in London and, thanks to local mum Joanna Vesterinen, we now have a growing branch in Oxford – with regular (free) meetings for new mums to go along, chat, relax and support each other. We wanted to find out more from Joanna about it…
Why did you start Mummy Buddy Oxford?
I am a mum of two young girls and myself and my family were new to Oxford at the time. I came across Mummy Buddy whilst online. At that point its main hubs were in
London, which is where it was founded by Janey Carey. I noticed that they had Area Ambassador roles available. I knew straight away that I wanted to bring it to Oxford, as I loved the concept of Mummy Buddy. I hadn’t seen anything similar and I wanted to be part of something that was supporting new mums.
I thought that the role would really suit me, as I love bringing people together. Most importantly, I have been there myself as a new mum and I thought that a programme
like this would have been a fantastic support.
Who is Mummy Buddy for?
The Mummy Buddy programme is for pregnant, newish mums with children up to 2 years old.
How does Mummy Buddy work?
Joining your local Mummy Buddy Hub gives you access to the following:
The Mummy Buddy Programme (Peer to peer)
Our FREE Award Winning peer-to-peer support programme. If you are looking for a friendly new mum to help you settle into the swing of things, or perhaps you are keen to support a mum who’s a ‘stage’ behind you and pass on all of that local baby knowledge. We are ready to Buddy you up!
Buddy Groups (Small Groups)
Small groups of mums at a similar stage of parenthood, discussing key topics, talking through expert advice and sharing ideas. Great if you didn’t ‘do NCT’, or, well even if
you did! Buddy Groups meet weekly for 4 weeks. A WhatsApp group is established for each group and key topics, expert tips and discussion suggestions are sent to the group for discussion and feedback.
ONLY £10.00 FOR 4 SESSIONS
Knees Ups (Big Groups)
Our regular friendly get togethers – open to everyone. Leave your judging at the door, grab a seat and a glass of wine (or pretend wine!) and join us for a natter and a giggle or crawl under the table for a sleep. Sounds good?? No name badges or awkward ice breakers. Promise. Mummy Buddy Oxford knees Ups are every last Thursday of the month at Buongiornoe Buonasera, 92 London Road, Headington, Oxford OX3 9AJ 1pm until 3pm. The next One is Thursday 30th May 1pm to 3pm.
Parent Power Hours (Expert led sessions)
Parent Power Hours are here to give you the knowledge, support and ultimately, the ‘Power’ that you need to feel confident and reassured on your parenting journey.
We have teamed up with leading baby experts to bring you informative, fun and non-judgemental one hour sessions, focusing specifically on certain topics relating to
the age of your baby. There will be a entry payment for these talks.
What advice do you have for new mums?
If you are pregnant or a new mum and feeling a bit shy and overwhelmed about meeting new friends, don’t be! There are so many lovely, like minded people out there
and tons of things to do with your baby. I have found Oxford to be great on that front. Get out and go to local playgroups, baby groups, or to one of our Mummy Buddy knees
ups and join our Mummy Buddy programme. I personally have found these types of groups invaluable for myself and my youngest daughter and I have made some great mum mates in the process!
Where are your favourite places to go in Oxford with your kids?
Millets Farm
Rectory Farm
Cutteslowe Park
Shotover
WaterPerry Gardens
Florence Park
