How a forum for swapping clothes and toys became a safety net for parents
THE age of social media has fuelled our need to share. There are now countless Facebook groups and local community websites set up to help likeminded people share ideas, advice and recommendations – and also buy and sell goods and services.
It is not always just about saving or making money. There can also be a feelgood factor in sharing information and advice.
Four years ago, Helen Hamston set up a Facebook group called Mummy’s Gin Fund.
Initially it was established to swap old baby clothes and toys – and as a way of meeting other mothers in Lee, South-East London.
Helen, 40, says: ‘I had just given birth to a son after two daughters. My home was packed to the rafters with pink clothes.
‘I set up the group primarily with the plan to give away all my girls’ stuff and gain some boys’ stuff while getting out of the house to meet a few new people.’
But fast forward four years and the social network group has blossomed. It now includes Facebook, Twitter and Instagram plus a website – Mummy’s Gin Fund.
Helen, who worked as a sign language interpreter for 13 years, has a ten-month-old baby, Oliver, a brother to Ruby, ten, Freya, eight, and four-yearold Charlie.
Along with her husband, Louis, 41, who works in property, Helen and the family relocated to Bishopsteignton, Devon, three months ago and Helen now runs Mummy’s Gin Fund full time. She says: ‘The Facebook group moved from a simple buying and selling group to an online community of like-minded mums – as well as a few dads and grandparents – asking for advice, recommendations and opinions. The wealth of knowledge and experience that was being shared was invaluable.’
Following the success of the group many local businesses, such as home improvement companies, motor mechanics and even personal trainers, were keen to join and set up partnerships – offering discounts to members.
Helen says: ‘Sharing a positive experience of a trusted local tradesman or business can be extremely helpful to others looking for similar work.’
Helen believes her mums have collectively saved thousands of pounds – and prevented many tons of plastic from ending up in landfill – through sharing, passing on and selling their outgrown children’s clothes, books and toys.
She adds: ‘One of the biggest strengths of the group is the honesty and willingness of members to share – whether it is passing on clothes or an old pram to sharing advice or skills. This is in all aspects of life, not just raising children.
‘Putting up a post asking for help or advice, perhaps a school admissions issue, a colicky baby or a broken boiler, and receiving replies within minutes is an amazing safety net for parents.’