MotherFolk is an initiative on Tyneside which sees mothering folk using writing as a tool to find nourishment, power and community.

The brainchild of writer and doula Bethan Kitchen, MotherFolk is a gathering place for mothering folk and their stories. She says: “At MotherFolk, we believe in reclaiming the motherhood story. I offer a space where mothering folk can breathe, share, and be heard without judgement – where storytelling becomes the key to healing, connection, and unapologetically living your own story of motherhood. Wherever you are in your story – whether you’re pregnant, have just given birth, or are a seasoned mother – I would love to welcome you to one of MotherFolk’s spaces.” And those spaces include the MotherFolk Writing Circle – a weekly mother and baby group – and a summer solstice retreat on 21 June.

The MotherFolk Writing Circle groups run at Jesmond Library, 1b Books (Heaton), the bound bookshop (Whitley Bay) and The Cumberland Arms (Ouseburn). More info on these – and upcoming retreats – from: motherfolk.org.uk