By Pam McClounie

Last updated at 12:55, Monday, 26 September 2011

When new mum Teresa McCall had her baby daughter Imogen she wondered how she would fill her days and meet other people with children.

Teresa McCall and daughter Imogen

The 34-year-old, of Fletchertown, joined several online groups in the run up to giving birth to her first child and has now launched her own website www.mumsndads.org.uk.

She developed the site – which follows the success of national websire Mumsnet – with husband Simon, who helped design and build it.

It aims to give parents a one-stop shop where they can go to find out about events, for them and their kids, in their area and make new friends.

Teresa said: “We wanted to develop a single place where parents, guardians, carers and grandparents can access information about services, events and opportunities in our area, and share tips and advice.

“I don’t think anyone looking after children should feel isolated or alone when there are so many opportunities to mix and chat with others.”

Teresa has started a new group that meets on Thursday afternoons at 2pm in the cafe at Dobbies, west of Carlisle.

She said: “The manager at Dobbies has been great and has said it’s fine for us to move the tables out of the way and put blankets on the floor so the kids can play with their toys.

“I would like everyone to come to my group. I know a lot of people are shy and find it difficult to make new friends – especially if they didn’t grow up in this area.

“I can meet people one-on-one in a cafe or something if they prefer or I can meet them outside Dobbies so they don’t have to walk into the cafe on their own.

“I have had some lovely messages from people. One lady developed post-natal depression and she said what I was doing was great.”

Teresa’s website, which launched three weeks ago, is still a work in progress but is growing daily. She said: “At the moment I am not charging for people to put their events and adverts on.”

Teresa’s meet-ups also take place at the Howgate Hotel near Whitehaven on Tuesdays at 2pm.

She is also organising trips to the cinema for mums and their babies. Contact her via her website.

First published at 11:23, Monday, 26 September 2011
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk