Freelance Mum, the award-winning and child-friendly networking group, has launched a new hub in Horfield to support self-employed mums in North Bristol.
Made possible by vital funding received from the Bristol Business & Enterprise Support (BrisBES), the new North Bristol Hub will meet and netwalk monthly at The Ardagh Centre in Horfield starting on Thursday 14th March, 18th April, 16th May and 20th June.
And as a special introductory treat, there’s free coffee and cake, and a free 30 day trial for all new netwalkers to the Horfield meeting.
Freelance Mums will meet once a month to ‘netwalk’ for fresh air and focus questions, enabling mums in business to network and (crucially) bring their children. Not only does Freelance Mum offer networking, but the connections made offer invaluable support to many women who juggle running their own business and parenting.
The group also offers an active online community of support and cheerleaders for women in business, with weekly online coffee mornings and member-led sessions where all hub members across the country can come together and connect.
The idea of ‘baby-strapping’, was created by founder, Faye Dicker in 2013, after her own needs juggling motherhood around her voiceover work. There wasn’t a network that supported parents in business, so she created Freelance Mum.
The North Bristol hub will be launching on Thursday 14 March and run by Faye and Claire Callaghan, a self-employed physio. The netwalks are being funded by BrisBES through YTKO West of England which offers local business growth and support programmes across Bristol.
“The fresh air and focus questions are an important part of Freelance Mum,” said Faye. “It’s well recognised the importance of connecting with nature for our wellbeing and clarity. In a world where everything can feel fast paced, it’s even more important to take some time out and connect with fellow business owners who are on the same page. The focus questions keep conversation on track and help members get the most from the sessions.”
“Freelance Mum provides such a warm, friendly and helpful space for women who are managing busy families and freelance work,” added Claire. “Being a freelance mum can be a tricky thing to navigate, so a supportive network of other like-minded women can be a huge help.
“I wanted to help set up a hub in North Bristol as I’ve lived here for over 15 years, and really feel there’s a need for this. I’ve also gained so much from meeting and working with other Freelance Mums, so it would be great if others could benefit too.
“It will give women in Bristol and nearby the chance to come together, exchange ideas, discuss problems and help provide support and solutions. Sometimes networking can feel forced and transactional. Freelance Mums is just the opposite!
“The informal netwalk format and Faye’s welcome and natural sparkle ensures that everyone is comfortable and able to express themselves in whatever way they wish. We’re keen to bring women from diverse jobs, backgrounds and experience levels together.”
“It’s a real joy to launch the new hubs in Bristol and have more growth in the city,” said Faye. “Our North Bristol hub wouldn’t be able to be launched without the funding made available from YTKO, who provide support and training for small businesses and wanted to reach North Bristol. It is great to come together and launch a brand-new hub in North Bristol, where there is clearly a need to support fellow mums in business.”
Freelance Mum hubs across the country all follow the same format, so members know what to expect, whichever hub they visit. And with plans to launch more hubs across the region and support more mums in business, Faye is keen to keep growing the network across the country and attract new members to the North Bristol hub.
“For only £25 per month the group gives so much and members comment how beneficial being part of Freelance Mum is, not only for their business but for their mental health and wellbeing,” said Faye.