Essex Mums

General information

I started the Essex Mums forum after moving to Westcliff in February 2008 and having trouble finding out what was going on and where. A bit of research made me realise that there were many other Mums out there experiencing the same problem, all looking to make friends and find things to do with their kids, but often a bit too shy to try new things on their own, and uncertain as to what was happening near them. I wanted it to be a place where Mums (and Dads) could come and chat about their days, exchange experiences of being a parent and help one another, as well as sharing information about what was worth doing (and what to avoid!)

When the site started, it took off rather rapidly as friends told friends and word spread. In the first fortnight we had over fifty people join, which at the time seemed amazing to me. In the first month I was interviewed by the Evening Echo, Southend Radio and BBC Essex which helped get the news out further. Suddenly I went from refreshing the page every five minutes, hoping someone else would post something to seeing new names appear all the time, and not being able to keep up with all the activity. Now, nearly 6 years later we have over 6000 forum members from all over Essex and get around 30,000 unique users on the website each month. Some post every day and enjoy just chatting to one another, some post now and then when they get a chance, others just pop in to find out about things that are going on.

We have had lots of meet-ups, coffee mornings and general get togethers. We have had new babies, numerous pregnancies (even leading to talk of there being Essex Mums baby dust!) and many good friends have been made - this has been the most wonderful thing about it all to me, seeing people get to know each other and go from mere acquantaines to real, solid friends. Of course the kids love meeting up with each other too, and it's been lovely to see them all grow - hopefully we will continue to see this for years to come.

New to Essex Mums and wondering where to look next? Here's some ideas!

1. Say hello!: Tell us about yourself in the Introductions section. You're sure to get a warm welcome: http://www.essexmums.org/forum/viewforum.php?f=28

2. Fancy a chat?: Take a look at the daily thread in A Bit of a Chat and have a chat about your day http://www.essexmums.org/forum/viewforum.php?f=44

3. Looking for advice? Pregnancy: http://www.essexmums.org/forum/viewforum.php?f=7, Parenting: http://www.essexmums.org/forum/viewforum.php?f=9

4. Want to meet some Mums? http://www.essexmums.org/forum/viewforum.php?f=20

5. Want to chat about your kids?: Then why not start with the Parenting Groups and talk with Mums of other children the same age as your own: http://www.essexmums.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=8998

6. Expecting?: Come and tells us your due date (http://www.essexmums.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=32), discuss some name ideas (http://www.essexmums.org/forum/viewforum.php?f=16) and be sure to tell us when baby arrives (http://www.essexmums.org/forum/viewforum.php?f=11)!

7: Want to know what's on?: Check out Things to Do http://www.essexmums.org/thingstodo.html and Places to Go http://www.essexmums.org/places.html or our map: http://www.essexmums.org/map.html

8. Money burning a hole in your pocket?: Then get some great shopping ideas from the Alternative Shopping Guide: http://www.essexmums.org/shoppingguide.html, or browse some product ideas here: http://www.essexmums.org/products

9. Want to win?: Enter one of our great Competitions: http://www.essexmums.org/competitions.html

10. Just here to list your event?: http://www.essexmums.org/forum/viewforum.php?f=12

11. Local business? Get listed in the Directory: http://www.essexmums.org/directory.html

If you need any help please don't hesitate to contact me via PM or on louise@essexmums.org