A local yoga teacher has set up a brand-new support group for Greater Manchester mums and it’s just bloody lovely.
This super wholesome community-based initiative has been created by yoga instructor, Toni Marie, who has her own studio and is now expanding on her existing well-being work with dedicated help for mothers from all over the area.
Setting up at The Snug Coffee House in Atherton, Wigan – a wheelchair-friendly, pram-friendly space as well as breast and bottle-friendly – the support group runs each week and has already proved popular among those living nearby.
But what exactly does it involve? Well, let us enlighten you.
Credit: Supplied
First things first, the new group is called ‘Mums for Mums’ and most importantly is completely free for any mothers to attend every Wednesday at 12 noon.
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As for what attending parents can expect from the group, they offer free support for new mums, including educational visits from local midwives and health visitors.
Experienced mums will also be on hand to offer time, support and advice; plus, it’s also just a great place to make new friends, help your baby socialise and feel a little less lonely in the early days of motherhood.
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As a mum herself, Toni knows it’s the little things that go a long way too: for instance, if you’ve given birth within the last six weeks and had a C-section, a free taxi will be provided for you (within 4 miles). Just mums looking after each other, so lovely.
With barre, pilates and more on offer at her studio, many mums even find themselves hopping from the support group to baby yoga. Adorable.
After a difficult journey into motherhood herself, Toni decided to take on training to carry out pregnancy or ‘bump’ yoga, and then ‘baby and me’ yoga to try and help where she can and create a safe space (and some lovely, much-needed stretches) for both mums-to-be, first-time mothers and more.
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Having seen the everyday struggles many mums face, especially in that first month or so, she knew how important this could be for many new mums.
Despite only beginning back in September, it’s already evident what a profound impact these sessions have on many parents, not to mention watching both friendships and a wider community blossom, she’s more focused than ever on developing these support group sessions.
Toni is able to put on these support sessions thanks to funding from the regional community foundation, Forever Manchester, a much-loved charity that raises money to fund and support local activity across the 10 boroughs.
Better still, all you have to do if you’re interested is just turn up. So if you’re a new mother looking for a few more people to lean on mid-week, give Mums for Mums a try.
Jellycat launches new Manchester store, with exclusive characters
Daisy Jackson
Jellycat has launched a shiny new store, this time in Manchester city centre – and they brought exclusive new characters with them.
The beloved soft toy brand has unveiled its newest location within Selfridges on Exchange Square, filled with all the adorable plushie animals and objects you already know and love, plus some new friends that are exclusive to Manchester.
Making their debut in our city are Salty Steve and Vinny Vinegar, two adorable smiling condiment bottles, plus Clemont Lemon, a sunny yellow soft toy, and Charlie Chip in his flat cap.
As part of the iconic Fish & Chips range, Mancs will also be able to take home Lily Fish, Cosy Chips, and Dot and Peggy Mushy Peas.
The Jellycat Fish & Chips van became a social media sensation after launching in London.
Inside the adorable space are larger-than-life oversized Jellycat favourites including Amuseables Cosy Chips, and Chip Seagull, perfect for a photo opportunity.
Vinny VinegarClemont LemonCharlie ChipLily FishInside the new Jellycat storeEggetha Egg & Lance Soldier
Jane Sharrocks, Store Director at Selfridges Manchester Exchange Square said: “We’re thrilled to welcome the Jellycat General Store to Selfridges Exchange Square.
“We know our customers are huge Jellycat fans so we can’t wait to bring this iconic destination to our store.
“This launch means that our customers can purchase the characters from the exclusive Fish & Chips collection for the first time outside of Selfridges London which is so exciting.
“With so many Jellycat favourites, it’s going to be hard to choose which ones to take home!”
The new Jellycat store is open today – Monday 17 February – at Selfridges Manchester Exchange Square.
Take a look inside the new Operation Ouch! interactive exhibition opening in Manchester tomorrow
Emily Sergeant
Fancy plunging headfirst into the incredible world of our senses?
Well now you can, as back by popular demand after a successful run over these past two years, but with a fresh new adventure lined up for 2025, Operation Ouch! has landed in Manchester once again, and this time around, you can journey through an ear canal covered in gooey wax, squeeze past sticky snot, and delve deeper into how our brains interpret the world.
The major new exhibition for children and families, which is titled Operation Ouch! Brains, Bogies and You, is officially opening down at the Science and Industry Museum from tomorrow.
Visitors are being told to prepare themselves for an “epic exploration of the senses”.
Operation Ouch! Brains, Bogies, and You is opening in Manchester tomorrow / Credit: Science Museum Group
Mini Manc medics can explore their brilliant brains by banging on an eardrum, venturing into a massive eyeball, and even taking a whiff of a ‘smell library’ during what sounds like a properly playful and lively interactive adventure at the museum.
You’ll get to enter Dr Chris’ brain headquarters through his giant ear, making sure to dodge the earwax, before venturing through the five senses of touch, sight, hearing, smell, and taste with loads of hands-on science experiences, as well as discovering some of the secret senses that help us with our balance, know when it’s time to sleep, and even when to go for a wee.
Educational as well as entertaining, you’ll even get to find out about how our sensory experiences can vary from children who are living with disabilities.
Video appearances from Dr Chris, Dr Xand, and Dr Ronx from the hit BBC children’s TV series, Operation Ouch!, will pop up throughout the exhibition to help visitors understand more about the science behind the fun.
Ahead of the opening of the exhibition, Steven Leech, who is the Curator of Exhibitions at the Science and Industry Museum, commented: “From sight and sound, to some lesser-known senses, our bodies are truly sense-sational.
Visitors can plunge head-first into the incredible world of our senses / Credit: Science Museum Group
“Our brains rely on our senses to help us understand and explore the world around us, and in this exhibition, you will take part in an epic experiment that is bursting with brilliant brain science.
“Just like our previous Operation Ouch! exhibition, Brains, Bogies and You will offer a playful experience that builds confidence in young people who want to explore science, so get ready for the trip of a lifetime and come and get stuck into the science inside all of us.”
Operation Ouch! Brains, Bogies and You opens at the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester city centre tomorrow (14 February 2025) and will run right up until 4 January 2026 – with tickets priced at £10 each and now on sale.
Danny Jones -
25th October 2024 
