New group to help mums out of isolation
BLI BLI mum Kylie Kerehoma hopes to help other mums out of isolation by launching a charitable new group on the Coast.
Babes + Picnics started in Brisbane less than a year ago but groups have already popped up in most Australian states.
Ms Kerehoma said she read about the initiative online and decided she wanted to get involved.
Originally from New Zealand, Ms Kerehoma and her partner were living in Perth when she had her first son nearly four years ago.
They were living on the Sunshine Coast when their second boy arrived about two years later.
"In both situations, I didn't have any support network," Ms Kerehoma said.
"I know it is isolating being a mum sometimes."
Her third son is due in October.
"Even though I've been here (Sunshine Coast) for two years I still haven't met a lot of people."
The Babes + Picnics initiative encourages mums to meet once a month, donate to charity and win prizes.
Ms Kerehoma will launch the Sunshine Coast group at Duck Pond Park in Alexandra Headland at 9am on July 27.
She will be collecting non-perishable food, nappies or new bedding materials to go to child protection service SunnyKids.
Donations are encouraged but not essential.
"They are still welcome to come along."
Ms Kerehoma has organised prizes from four Sunshine Coast businesses to be won.
"I have no idea what the turnout will be but the Facebook group has grown.
"For this month I have had about 200 or so mums who have joined."
She said there were a lot of women looking for events to meet up with other mums.
"There are a lot of people on the Coast who move here- who don't grow up here."
For more information visit Babes + Picnics Sunshine Coast on Facebook.