Freelance parents group

[RachelM]

Some friends and I are starting a new parent & child group for parents who are freelance/have their own business. The idea is for the children/babies to play while we chat/network/share tips/drink coffee! It's going to be at the Forresters pub just outside Forest Hill station, almost certainly on a Wednesday morning 10-11.30. There's an outdoor play area and a carpeted section with sofas so it's quite child-friendly. I'll bring a few books and toys along too (I have a 14 month old).

It's free and open to absolutely anyone who works for themselves or wants to (I'm a freelance editor/translator currently doing around 3 days a week) so please PM me or just turn up if interested - first one set to be on 14 March.

Hope to see you there!

Rachel

[janna]

Hi now this is the group that I need!its so hard meeting mums when you freelance as you can't go to

groups regularly, or at least I can't.

Though I freelance mon-wed so can't leave my studio then.

If you were to meet on a thur or Friday then I'll be there!

I have a nearly 3 yr old & 1 year old, which we juggle between daddy me & childminder

[lucyA1308]

Oh, this sounds fun. I'll see if i can make it. Please post any other events as well.

Lucy (freelance violinist, and mum of 2 gorgeous girls)

[dragonflyblue]

Hi

sounds interesting, not sure I can do wednesday mornings though as have a regular time dependant job then, pop a post on about any other times or days that come up please.

Ruth (new mum to one, freelance and own business)

[Mathilda]

Hi, this is a great idea, I would love to come along. Am new to freelancing so it would be good to get tips/advice from others! Can't make 14th but will look out for details of the next one.

[Curmudgeon]

oh what a shame, I quite like the idea of being a freelance parent when I feel like it

[mima08]

Hiya - love the idea! I am new to freelancing and business owning, but I'll struggle with Wednesdays at the moment (I have a mega cushy deal at the moment till June where I can use Wednesdays to help my business along) but would love to come to such a group. Thursday or Friday afternoons any good to anyone?

What a great idea to start this!

mx

[RachelM]

Hi all,

Only just read the replies!!! I thought I would get an email if anyone replied but I didn't.

Wednesday mornings is only a tentative suggestion - I'm open to other days/times. Thursday mornings would also be good for me.

HOWEVER I have just discovered that the Foresters pub only opens at midday!! I thought it would open at 10 but that's only on Tuesday for the existing mum & baby group.

So the first meeting will be at Canvas & Cream in Forest Hill, tomorrow at 10am.

http://www.canvasandcream.com/

But very open to looking into different days, times and location. I suggested morning because a lot of young children have a nap in the afternoon (not mine though!!)

Please email me - [email protected] with your requirements or suggestions. Or DM and I will send you my mobile number.

Hope to see you tomorrow but if not then next week or sometime in the future. I will update the thread asap with details of the next meeting place and time.

Rachel x

[Alexa1012]

Hi

I am quite keen to meet other freelance mums but I have to say Canvas & Cream is not ideal for us, my little one loves exploring at this stage (10months) and there is no space for her there :(

The Forester is much better, we spent a couple of hours in their garden the other day...

But all open to discussion I guess :)

I will see you tomorrow!

x

[RachelM]

I completely agree C&C is not ideal - it was the only place I could think of at short notice that would be open! Let's discuss it tomorrow and hopefully come up with a more suitable venue (and possibly a different day/time as well) x

[mumra]

Would love to join you after Easter and Weds would suit me. I have a 3 year old girl and one also at school. Let me know if you're still going strong then.

[RachelM]

Following the first meeting (thanks to everyone who came!) we have decided to meet every Wednesday, from 1.30-3pm at the Foresters Bar (http://www.allinnone.org.uk/)

I'm really sorry to those who can't make Wednesdays but it seems there is no one day that everyone can do.

Everyone is very welcome - mums, dads, children of all ages, and you don't have to be freelance - if you're working part-time or on maternity leave and want to discuss issues relating to childcare, finding a balance, etc then please come along and say hi!

The Foresters has a playground as well as a carpeted area indoors so there should be plenty to distract and entertain little ones - I will again bring some books and a few toys for them.

Hope to see you next Wednesday

Rachel

[RachelM]

Next meeting is this Wednesday, 28 March, at the Foresters at 11am.

Afternoons don't suit a lot of people, it seems. The pub has agreed to open an hour early for us this week and we'll see how things go.

It should give us about an hour to chat and then anyone who wants to can stay for lunch too.

All welcome - it's really interesting to meet such a diverse group of people!

Hope to see you there - please DM me if you would like to be added to the mailing list.

Rachel

[RachelM]

Just a quick update to say that we are now meeting regularly, every Wednesday at 11am at the Foresters Bar.

Thanks to all those who have come along/been in touch so far - everyone is welcome (you don't have to be an established freelancer) and I hope to meet you soon.

Please DM me for info - I'll stop updating this thread weekly now we have a regular day and time!

Sorry to those who can't make Wednesdays - we are also talking about meeting up in the evenings now and then (without children) so please get in touch if you'd be interested in that.

Rachel