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Welcome

You might not know this, but Singing Mamas is a global movement of women who all support the wellbeing of mothers in their community. We were set up as a non-profit by an NHS nurse called Kate Valentine in 2019 and since then have grown across 80 local authorities in the UK and 9 countries across the world! Each one of our groups is unique because each community is different, but there are a few things they all have in common. This should tell you all you need to know about groups generally, and our weekly group at Carnegie Library Hub.

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What to Expect

  • We gather in a circle with our children in the centre and learn songs by ear (which means the leader sings a line and the group echoes it back). There are no solos, no auditions, no sheets of music and no standing in rows!

  • Our groups are for mothers and their allies. Women of all ages and stages are welcome, with or without children. 

  • Babies and children are welcome at our groups, but our focus is on the mama and their wellbeing. 

  • In our groups we’re tuning in to how our singing feels rather than how it sounds. Whatever feelings come up are welcome. If tears come you can just stay in the circle and let them pass. No questions, no judgement.​

  • Towards the beginning of the session, everyone has a chance to introduce themselves to each other, and I will fill you in on everything you need to know (like where the loos and the fire exits are!). Please let me know in advance if you or your child(ren) have any allergies or disabilities and I’ll do everything I can to accommodate.

  • If you enjoy your taster session and would like to return, you are requested to complete this registration form. You are also invited to join our WhatsApp group: we have a WhatsApp group where I share the songs we have covered each week. If you'd like to join the group, please click this link.

Group Guidelines: Keeping everyone safe and well

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We want everyone in our groups to feel safe, supported, and cared for. All Singing Mamas leaders are trained, insured, and carry out regular risk assessments to help keep our spaces as safe as possible.

There are a few things you can do to help:
 

  • If you're unwell:  Please stay home if you or your child is poorly and could pass something on. If your child has vomited or had diarrhoea within the previous 48 hours, please do not attend the group as they may still be infectious even if they appear well.
     

  • Looking after little ones:  You're responsible for supervising the children in your care. Please be especially mindful of babies who may be sharing the space.
     

  • Offering help:  It’s lovely to support others, but please always ask a parent’s permission before stepping in with their child.
     

  • Noise is natural:  Babies and toddlers will make noise—and that’s okay! Often it's a sign they need something, and we invite you to tend to them. If noise starts to affect the singing, the facilitator may gently ask for your help to keep things balanced.
     

  • Toys:  Please avoid bringing your own toys if possible. We'll have plenty available. Sharing favourite items can be tricky, and some toys may not be safe for younger children.
     

  • Snacks & allergies:  If you bring food for your child, please supervise them while they eat and avoid sharing with others, just in case of allergies. Try to keep crumbs off the floor too—little hands are quick!
     

  • Hot drinks:  All hot drinks will be cooled or served in cups with lids to prevent spills and burns.
     

  • Wires & plugs:  If you need to plug anything in, ask the group leader where it’s safe to do so.
     

  • Photos:  Please don’t take or share photos of other people’s children on social media without their parent’s permission. 

 

  • Safeguarding: Singing Mamas leaders follow our safeguarding policy, which outlines how we protect the wellbeing of women and children in our care. 


Thank you for your care and cooperation!

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Dates and Times

I currently run one weekly group:

 

​​​Thursdays 1015-1145 Herne Hill at Carnegie Library Hub SE24 0DG

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Carnegie Library Hub is 15 minutes' walk from Herne Hill, Denmark Hill and Loughborough Junction stations. The P4 bus stops right outside, or the 68 and 468 stop five minutes' walk away. Alternatively you can park for free in the surrounding residential streets until 12pm. There is an accessible entrance for wheelchairs and buggies via the side entrance on Ferndene Road.

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Groups run during Lambeth term times. If you're running late, just arrive when you can - we all know how an unexpected nappy change can change everything... 

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Note - there are also other leaders running groups in Coulsdon (Fridays), Warlingham (Wednesdays) and Anerley (Thursdays), as well as other areas of London and the South East - please see Find A Group for more info.

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​​I also occasionally run retreat-style groups in Crystal Palace, often in collaboration with other local organisations supporting women and mothers' wellbeing. To keep up to date on these, please follow me on instagram (@georgia.singingmamas.slondon) or Facebook (www.facebook.com/singingmamas.southlondon) 

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Sign up and payment options

 

TASTER SESSIONS

 

  • Standard taster session - if this is your first session and you'd like to try it out to see if it suits you, you can attend a taster session for the bargain price of £6.50. Note the booking isn't linked to a particular date, just let me know when you plan to come along.​

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  • Pregnancy taster sessions
    Sessions are free for women who are 36+ weeks pregnant. This is to help you build your community before baby arrives so that you know that you have a set of friendly faces to support and welcome you when your baby is here. It also means you'll have a few tunes up your sleeve that your baby will recognise from you singing them in the womb - singing these songs when the baby is then earthside can prove remarkably soothing for both of you! Just let me know that you'll be coming along so I can be sure to have enough cake 🙂

 

MEMBER SUBSCRIPTION OR DROP-IN
 

If you come to a taster and would like to come again, either as a regular member or as a drop in, please complete this sign up sheet 
 

  • Drop-in fee - if life makes it hard to commit to regular sessions and you don't think you'll be able to attend very often, you can pay per session instead - the cost for this is £13. Note the booking isn't linked to a particular date, just let me know when you plan to come along.​​

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  • Monthly subscription - this will set up a direct debit for £35 a month across the calendar year, which will cover your attendance at a Singing Mamas-South London session each week that the groups run. This works out as the cheapest way to attend, and takes the admin out of having to remember to book and pay for a session each time.
    Please note that groups run during term time only but costs are spread across the calendar year. Your account will be debited the same amount each month, even if there are fewer sessions that month owing to school holidays. No payments will be taken during the month of August. It is your responsibility to cancel the direct debit if you leave the group; refunds of extra payments cannot be not guaranteed.

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BURSARY SPACES
 

  • Lean On Me fee - I feel strongly that nobody should be prevented from singing owing to their financial situation. For this reason I offer discretionary bursary spaces in my groups for women who are facing financial precariousness or social marginalisation. Please get in touch with me if this option is something you would like to discuss.

 

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