From museum visits and Easter celebrations to beach picnics and coffee mornings, Gingerbread groups have been busy creating opportunities for single parents to connect, build friendships and support one another.

South Norwood gets off to a creative start

Our newest group in South Norwood has had a wonderful launch thanks to group lead Donna, who organised a collaging session at a local venue with support from a local freelancer who generously donated her time. Adding an extra special touch, Donna’s mum’s knitting group created handmade flowers for the families who attended.

Three single parents came along to the first meetup, including Donna herself, making it a fantastic start for the new group.

Hastings explores local museums

In Hastings, group lead Krysta has recently organised two museum meetups after successfully securing free exhibition tickets for members.

One particularly memorable moment came when a member of museum staff shared that Gingerbread held a special place in her heart because her father had been part of a Gingerbread group in the 1980s and 1990s. Stories like these are a powerful reminder of the impact Gingerbread groups have had over generations.

Easter fun in Havering

Families in Havering enjoyed a fantastic Easter celebration at their local RAFA club, which generously donates its space for the group’s monthly meetups.

The event featured an entertainer, an Easter egg hunt and plenty of treats for families to enjoy together. Group lead Hema shared that both parents and children had a wonderful time.

Virtual cuppas and beach picnic plans in Falmouth

In Falmouth, group lead Martha has found creative ways to help members stay connected. Alongside regular in-person activities, the group has been enjoying Thursday evening virtual meetups on WhatsApp, where members can join with a cuppa and chat from the comfort of home.

The group has also enjoyed Sunday roast outings together and is already looking forward to beach picnics once the summer weather arrives.

Community connections in St Albans

The St Albans Gingerbread Group continues to bring together a welcoming mix of new and long-standing members.

Led by Katrina, the group meets monthly on Saturdays at a local community centre and occasionally enjoys activities further afield, including trips to Ninja Warrior. The venue offers a warm and family-friendly environment, complete with a kitchen for teas and coffees, as well as a bike track and football pitch outside for children to enjoy.

A promising start in Sleaford

The Sleaford group held its very first meetup in early May, welcoming two local families.

Group lead Ayse shared how lovely it was to meet the group’s founding members and said there is already plenty of enthusiasm and lots of ideas being shared for future activities and meetups.

A welcoming space in Grimsby

Alison, who leads our Grimsby group, knows first-hand both the challenges and rewards of single parenting. As a mum to three children with SEND, she is passionate about creating a supportive community for local families.

The group continues to meet monthly and is always ready to welcome new members looking for friendship, support and connection.

New Groups launching 

Alongside the fantastic work happening in our established groups, we’re delighted to see new groups launching and relaunching across the country.

Cassie has joined Gingerbread to launch a new group in her local area, with a mission to help single parents build friendships and feel less alone. Cassie said: “I chose to volunteer for Gingerbread to build new friendships and support other single parents in my area. I’m a mum to a three-year-old little boy who keeps me very busy, and I can’t wait to connect with others nearby!”

Charlie has recently relaunched the Northampton Gingerbread Group, which now meets monthly at Delapré Abbey, creating a welcoming space where single parents can connect and support one another. Talking about the group Charlie said: “As a single parent myself, I know how important it is to have support from people who truly understand the ups and downs of single parenting. Whether you’re looking for support, connection, or simply a chance to chat with others who get it, our Gingerbread group is here for you. I’d love for you to come along and join us!”

Amy has opened a new group in Stafford after spending years wishing she could find other single parents who truly understood her experiences. She hopes to provide that same sense of belonging for others. Amy says: “I became a single parent  7 years ago when my son was 1. I spent 7 years wishing to find other single parents who “got it” and felt that there must be others in the same position as me, which brought me to becoming a gingerbread volunteer to give a safe space for others at different stages of their journey.”

We’re also delighted to welcome Isabel in Harrow! Isabel has been a single mum since 2014 to her 14 year old daughter and says she is ‘looking forward to getting a Gingerbread group started in Harrow to share experiences and support each other’.

Meet our new Group Lead, Surya!  Surya is a single mum to a 3 year old and officially launched the Maghull Gingerbread Group last month.  Surya says: “I want to build a friendly, supportive community where single parents can connect, share, and feel encouraged every step of the way.”

Finally, meet Cindy, who has relaunched the Bognor Regis and Chichester group. She says: “As a single mum for almost five years, I understand how lonely and isolating life can sometimes feel. That experience has inspired me to volunteer and help create an inclusive, supportive community in my local area. I believe that with the right support, people can thrive despite the challenges they face.”

Together, these volunteers are helping ensure that more single parents can access local support, build meaningful friendships and become part of a thriving community.

If you’d like to find a Gingerbread group near you, visit our community page and discover what’s happening in your area.