By Renee Wood
An Upper Yarra resident is looking to bring mums and bubs together to connect parents and build friendships within the local community.
Kat Owen recently moved back to the area during the Covid-19 lockdown and said it has been a challenging time to meet others going through a similar time in their lives.
“I had a baby four months ago and I’ve just been feeling a bit isolated. I moved back to the area during Covid and so during all the lock downs and stuff I hadn’t really met anyone while I was pregnant,” Ms Owen said.
Ms Owen has used social media as the tool to bring everyone together and has created a Facebook group named ‘Mums & Bubs of 3799 & 3797’.
It’s hoped mums who have given birth this year or last will join to share and build relationships with other residents nearby.
There are other playgroups within the area, but Ms Owen felt creating bonds with other parents who have children at similar ages would help to have a similar focus for members.
“The activities that we might want to do together, or at least the focus, is similar, I imagine if the age range of the kids is a bit broader some could be running and some are not moving at all.
“It’s just really important to have connections with people that are going through very similar things like your baby’s injections and progressions.”
The group is also highlighted for parents in the postcodes 3799 and 3797.
“I really wanted to limit the group to this upper part of the Upper Yarra Valley, so that the core of it could be up here, so we can enjoy the local environment and cafes, without the expectation to have to travel down the line.
“Constraining it to those postcodes, or the towns that are immediately adjacent to that, I think helps to build that sense of community.”
The Facebook group is the start of what’s to come, as Ms Owen plans to have regular meet ups and has also spoken to the Yarra Ranges Council in hopes of supporting a picnic and potential promotional material for the group.
In the meantime, those interested can join the Facebook group named Mums and Bubs 3799 and 3797 on https://www.facebook.com/groups/1717864058556566/
