About Me

I am launching the Causeway Coast's first independent mum hub, where mums are not overlooked, but supported and nurtured through community and education (and coffee that is still hot!).

(A registered Community Interest Company)

Hi! I'm Karen - a midwife from sunny Scotland, now living in the (even sunnier) North Coast of Northern Ireland. I am obsessed with sushi rice, doggos, and absolutely refuse to get off my high horse when it comes to educating women and girls about their bodies.

In 2017, I began training as a midwife. Simultaneously, I dreamed of one day seeing maternity provisions transformed through local, independent, holistic hubs passionate about community and education.

Why am I doing this?

In 2023, our local maternity unit in Causeway Hospital closed its doors, leaving only a handful of skeleton outpatient services remaining. Now with very limited options, and most significant maternity provisions now as much as 1 hour's drive away, the mothers and pregnant women of the North Coast of Northern Ireland have been undervalued and overlooked by statutory services. Local midwives, birth workers, and mum-related small businesses are trying desperately to maintain the level of care and appreciation our women and families deserve. But ever-rising caseloads, over subscribed classes, and a lack of safe designated mum-spaces, means the vast gap in local maternity and postnatal provisions is felt deeply.

Bloomin' Mum Hub cannot come soon enough. A social enterprise space where mothers of young children, pregnant women, and other mum-focused small businesses can connect, learn, thrive, and relax. Grounded as a cafe-based environment, Bloomin' Mum Hub will have comfortable, soft furnishings in a low-stimulation setting - feeling safe and relaxing for even the most overwhelmed new mum. And because I know your wee one comes with the package, the cafe space will also feature a designated, contained safe play space for children 3 years and under so they can enjoy their time, too, whilst you watch on with your (still hot!) coffee and a bun.

Bloomin' Mum Hub will serve as a focal point of independent maternity and postnatal provisions in our community. Many of our incredible local small businesses rent space across the Triangle area per hour to provide quality services to our community of mothers. Whether as a one-off hire, or a resident business, Bloomin' Mum Hub seeks to be a home for both women and women's services; bridging the gap in our community for both groups.

Why I Need You

I can't do this without your help. A community project needs exactly that; community.

Help make this dream a reality for our town, and be part of something that begins to transform our community now and for generations to come. Worldwide economic research has shown time and time again; when we honour, value and support the women in our communities, everyone thrives. We are ready to put our money where our mouth is, and birth something beautiful.

And I reckon, it's about bloomin' time.

Bloomin' Mum Hub

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