Connecting Communities
We’re passionate about connecting people. Landing in parenthood can be a lonely experience. Finding people who understand our circumstances and genuinely care about our mutual wellbeing can change everything.
Find out more below about our in person groups, Facebook group and community WhatsApp groups.
"Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, ‘What! You too? I thought I was the only one.’"
C. S. Lewis
In person groups
All are welcome at our weekly drop-in peer support groups, a great way to connect with local parents in real life and receive ongoing support.
Groups run weekly in Otford, Tonbridge & Tunbridge Wells - see Our Locations for venues and times. The groups are best suited for non-mobile babies, but Tonbridge has a carpet and is secure for mobile babies and toddlers.
You can talk to our Peer Supporters about all aspects of parenting and get support every week with breastfeeding, bottle feeding, sleep and mental wellbeing. You can also get sling and cloth nappy support, hire a breast pump and be treated to a hot drink and a brownie in all of our groups.
Come on your own and we’ll help you settle in, or bring your friends.
Location based WhatsApp groups
We have one WhatsApp group for each of our venues - Sevenoaks, Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells. Join these groups to keep up to date with Baby Umbrella events, or ask questions of other parents and get a quick response.
There are Baby Umbrella Lactation Consultants and Breastfeeding Counsellors in the groups to provide information and support.
Community WhatsApp groups
We are building a collection of whatsapp groups designed around specific communities and circumstances to help everyone find a place where they feel safe and comfortable. We hope this is somewhere you feel you belong and can talk to those who understand your experiences. Each group is run by a Volunteer Community Builder who themselves identify with the group. We have language based groups, ethnicity/ culture/ religion based groups, groups based around other protected characteristics, and topic based groups.
This project is under regular evaluation by the group leaders, who co-created this project, and will evolve as we learn more about what people need. Each one of these communities was started by one person who stepped forward and generously offered to connect people. Maybe you’ll find a group that fits below… If not, and you’re keen to start something new, get in touch at info@babyumbrella.org.uk.
Language based groups
Ukrainian Parents
Run by Iryna who is a Ukranian mum of three now living in the UK, this is a group where Ukranian parents living in the UK can connect and get support. Iryna trained as a Breastfeeding Supporter in Ukraine and is currently completing our Peer Supporter training too. The group is run in Ukrainian.
Polish Parents
Run by Malwina, this is a group where Polish parents living in and around West Kent can connect and find out about local services in their language. Malwina is one of our regular volunteers in our local face to face groups, and also our Operations Coordinator at Baby Umbrella. The group is run in Polish.
Hispanic/ Latino Parents
Run by Monica, this is a group where Hispanic and Latino parents living in and around West Kent can connect and receive support. Monica is one of our Volunteer Peer Supporters. The group is run in Spanish.
Ethnicity/ Religion/ Culture based groups
Black Parents
Run by Jadie, this is a group where Black and Black British parents living in and around West Kent can connect and receive support. Jadie is one of our Volunteer Peer Supporters.
Asian Parents
Run by Jaanki, this is a group for parents from all around Asia living in West Kent to connect and receive support. Jaanki is one of our Volunteer Peer Supporters.
Dual Heritage babies & kids
Run by Jaanki and Laura, this is a group for parents in dual-heritage relationships to connect and receive support. Dual heritage relationships can bring up questions about parenting styles and culture, and require constant learning as we bring up children who might experience the world differently from ourselves. Jaanki is one of our Volunteer Peer Supporters and Laura is one of our Breastfeeding Counsellors.
Other Protected Characteristics groups
LGBTQ+ Parents
Run by Steph and Lucy, this is a group for parents in West Kent who identify as LGBTQ+ to connect and share experiences. Steph and Lucy are Baby Umbrella Volunteers.
Long term health conditions
Run by Jennie, this is a group for parents and parents-to-be in West Kent who have a diagnosed or suspected long term health condition, or whose baby does. This is a place to receive support from each other and share tips on managing any additional challenges whilst on your parenting journey. Jennie is one of our Breastfeeding Counsellors.
Neurodivergent
Run by Alice and Rachel, this is a group for parents in West Kent who believe they may be neurodivergent (e.g. autism, ADHD, dyspraxia, dyslexia etc), or who believe their child may be. You do not need a formal diagnosis to be welcomed here. Alice and Rachel are Baby Umbrella Volunteer Peer Supporters.
Topic based groups
Twins and Multiples
Run by Cath, this is a group for parents of twins and multiples in West Kent. This is a place to share, connect and receive support on the challenges and unique experience of having two or more babies arrive together. Cath is one of our Volunteer Peer Supporters.
Facebook group
Our Facebook group is a welcoming space for mothers and mothers-to-be to support each other, ask questions and develop friendships. This is a compassionate and inclusive space to support you on your journey.
We have over 1,500 members in this group so it’s a great way to get a varied set of views on any particular topic. You can post anonymously if you’d prefer and the group is monitored by our Breastfeeding Counsellors and Lactation Consultants to ensure information is up to date.
