Why join a coffee group?

Coffee groups are a great way to meet other parents in your area and make new friendships. Many of us don't have family members living nearby like previous generations had, so we miss out on their support and experiences of parenthood. We also commute further for work, so only experience our local area when we return from a hard day's work. This can sometimes make us feel we are not part of the local community.

The coffee groups bring together local mums who have had babies at a similar time. Both NCT members and non-members are very welcome and there is no charge.

Each group is arranged by the due or birth date of the baby and is set up to cover a four month period; January-April, May-August and September-December. This means that new parents are put into groups with babies of a very similar age so they can share experiences as the babies grow up together. Both parents and children often retain the friendships made at these groups as they progress through the key milestones of childhood, on to school and beyond!

How do coffee groups work?

You are welcome to attend Coffee Groups as a bump, with a newborn or with a toddler. For the first few weeks, organised groups will meet at the houses of other mums, who provide coffee and cakes and a chance for you to sit down for an hour or so!

After several weeks, the groups become well established and it’s totally up to those in it as to how the group is then run. You may want to alternate days of the week, meet fortnightly instead of weekly, or meet in local parks rather than each other’s homes. Some mums may go back to work, but want to meet up occasionally at the weekend, or to have an evening out with just the mums. It’s up to you.

How to join a coffee group

Joining a group is always possible. If you have just moved to the area or only recently found out about coffee groups – no problem! We can put you in touch with a coffee group with babies, toddlers or children the same age.

For coffee morning dates and venues, or to find out more, contact Olney’s Coffee Group Co-ordinator Cath on 07908 008248 or email olneycoffee@nct.org.uk.