December 2025 – April 2026
Past Events
A record of all completed Menichu Vesmichu sessions, most recent first.
April 2026
Volunteer Celebration
Recognising our volunteers
A special session celebrating the 20 trained community volunteers who support the programme, with presentations and community recognition.
Mindfulness for Mothers
Mindfulness & stress reduction
A practical session on using mindfulness techniques to manage stress, anxiety, and the demands of new parenthood.
Weaning & Solid Foods
Introduction to solid foods
Covering baby-led weaning and traditional weaning approaches, with practical tips on first foods and allergy awareness.
March 2026
Guidance for Mothers
Local services & support networks
Personalised guidance for mothers on local statutory and voluntary services available in Southend-on-Sea, with representatives from key organisations attending.
Returning to Work
Maternity leave, childcare & career
Covering maternity rights, childcare options, and planning a return to work.
Baby Development 0–6 Months
Developmental milestones
Covering developmental milestones in the first six months, how to support your baby's development through play, and what to look out for.
Relationships & Parenthood
Navigating relationships after baby
Covering how parenthood changes relationships — with partners, family, and friends — and practical ways to maintain connection.
Postnatal Mental Health
Baby blues, PND & anxiety
A frank and supportive session on postnatal depression, anxiety, and the baby blues — with information on local support services and how to help a friend.
February 2026
Sleep & Settling
Infant sleep strategies
Evidence-based strategies for helping your baby sleep, managing night wakings, and looking after your own sleep health as a new parent.
Nutrition for New Mothers
Postnatal nutrition & energy
Practical advice on eating well in the postnatal period — including quick meals, energy-boosting foods, and practical dietary considerations.
Postnatal Recovery
Physical recovery after birth
Covering postnatal physical recovery, pelvic floor health, and returning to activity safely.
Newborn Care Basics
Caring for your newborn
Practical guidance on newborn care — bathing, nappy changing, safe sleep, and recognising when your baby is unwell.
January 2026
Peer Support Circle
Sharing experiences & building connections
A peer support circle where women share their experiences, ask questions, and build lasting friendships within the community.
Infant Feeding: Breastfeeding & Beyond
Feeding choices & support
Covering breastfeeding, formula feeding, and combination feeding — with space for questions in a non-judgmental setting.
Mental Wellbeing in Pregnancy
Perinatal mental health
Covering anxiety, low mood, and how to seek support during pregnancy and the postnatal period.
Birth Preparation
Labour, birth options & birth plans
Covering birth options, pain relief, and how to write a birth plan.
December 2025
Community Celebration
Festive community gathering
Covering the importance of nutrition during pregnancy — key nutrients, foods to avoid, managing nausea, and eating well on a budget.
Understanding Your Body in Pregnancy
Physical changes & self-care
A practical session covering the stages of labour, what happens at each stage, and how to prepare mentally and physically for birth.
Antenatal Health Essentials
Pregnancy health & nutrition
An overview of antenatal care — what to expect at appointments, how to get the most from your midwife, and the support available throughout pregnancy.
Welcome & Programme Launch
Introduction to Menichu Vesmich
An introduction to the programme, the team, and what to expect over the coming months. Participants meet each other and share what has brought them to the group.
From Our Sessions
Moments From the Programme
A glimpse into the warmth, connection, and community that has made Menichu Vesmichu so special.
