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.
Chester Zoo’s popular FREE Nature Fest returns this weekend with its biggest event yet
Emily Sergeant
A free festival helping people connect to nature is returning for its 10th anniversary, and organisers say it will be their biggest event yet.
Nature Fest is returning to Chester Zoo this weekend, and is set to explore the relationship between nature and wellbeing, with lots of new activities designed to help festivalgoers experience the benefits of connecting with the natural world
Around 4,000 people, and lots of families, are expected to attend across the weekend.
Visitors can take part in animal yoga sessions, relax in a zen den, and explore an interactive nature adventure based around the five pathways to nature connection, traveling along tunnels and through a tree along the way.
There will also be live music, puppetry, crafts, workshops and talks, alongside opportunities to discover how conservationists work to protect wildlife.
Chester Zoo’s popular Nature Fest returns this weekend with its biggest event yet / Credit: Chester Zoo
On top of that, the festival will feature stands from various nature organisations and community groups across the North West, talks and tips from nature professionals, and wildlife-friendly gardening sessions with the zoo’s schools team.
Chester Zoo has also teamed up with Outside Lives Ltd on the festival, giving visitors the chance to take part in other activities like crazy golf, den building, and willow weaving.
“We’re hoping our 10th Nature Fest will be the biggest yet,” commented Chris Ablett, who is the Community Volunteer Assistant Manager at Chester Zoo.
“Chester Zoo is well known for supporting conservation across the world but protecting nature here in the UK is just as important.
“We want people to know there are simple things they can do to help wildlife at home, and Nature Fest is a great way to link up with people and learn new skills you can put into practice in your community, all while enjoying a great day out.”
Chester Zoo’s Nature Fest returns for 2026 this weekend on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September. It’s free to attend, parking is also free, and no booking is required.
Featured Image – Chester Zoo
Kids & Family
Greater Manchester’s spooky steam trains are returning this Halloween
Emily Sergeant
Spooky season is right around the corner, and one of Greater Manchester’s most-popular Halloween events is returning.
What’s Halloween without East Lancashire Railway‘s (ELR) eerie ghost trains at this point? Generally selling out each year, the heritage railway’s Halloween Trains always prove to be top of the Halloween bucket list for people looking for some ‘spooktacular fun’ once the scariest time of year rolls around.
And 2026 is expected to be no different… in fact, it’ll be even creepier than normal, because the scream train has had a spooky makeover.
You can expect flickering lights, eerie sounds, creepy surprises, and perhaps a very unwelcome visitor climbing aboard.
Those brave enough at lending the Monster Squad a helping hand at banishing ghosts and ghouls will be whisked away on a haunted steam engine through the atmospheric Greater Manchester countryside.
Before you join them though, you’ll need to prove you have what it takes by making it through the Halloween Walkthrough on the footbridge with a fair few jump scares.
Once you reach the platform, you’ll be greeted by Halloween favourites, Vampire Brian and Veronica the Witch, who’ll prepare you for your terrifying train trip with a song, a dance, and probably a scream or two.
Spooky steam train rides through Greater Manchester are returning this Halloween / Credit: ELR
As you take in the autumn sights and delights of the local countryside out the historic steam train’s windows on your journey, there’ll be lots of spooky entertainment and music along the way, and as always, screaming and singalongs are to be expected – and encouraged – as this is all part of the experience.
Families are also encouraged to ‘show off your spookiest fancy dress’ on the day too, and if you make it to the end, then a goody bag for every child ‘full of tricks and treats’ awaits.
Danny Jones -
25th October 2024 
