“Why do we gather? We gather to solve problems that we can’t solve on our own, we gather to celebrate, to morn, and to mark transitions. We gather to make decisions, we gather because we need one another. We gather to show strength. We gather to honor and acknowledge. We gather to build companies, and schools, and neighborhoods. We gather to welcome and we gather to say goodbye.”

— Priya Parker, The Art of Gathering


Our Story

Gathered is a co-created community built with and for new parents, which was born during the isolation of lockdown, when the world was suddenly forbidden to gather and new parents needed the support of a local community more than ever before. Since then Gathered has grown into a network of safe, supportive spaces that has outlasted the pandemic and continues to gather up the mums of SE London.

Our facilitators and members come together as equals, not just to meet, but to meaningfully connect and discuss experiences of parenthood that extend beyond the small talk. Every gathering reflects the needs of our community, from the newest mums, to our toddler group, to our evening circles for mums of older children. As we expand, both in offerings and locations, we continue to co-create along with our members, in the belief that how we gather matters and that parenting is better when we’re gathered.

Our Team

  • A woman with curly hair wearing a denim jacket and pants, sitting on a pink bench, smiling in front of a large plant with big green leaves, inside a modern space with beige walls.

    Rachel Barlow

    Rachel (she/her) is our co-founder and facilitator in East Dulwich. She’s a midwife, carrying consultant (baby sling expert), and holds an MSc in Health Psychology.

    With years of experience in antenatal education and postnatal care, Rachel now lives in Surrey with her husband and two primary-aged kids.

    "Parenting is ALOT. Even as a midwife, I found early motherhood overwhelming. Gathered is the community I wish I’d had - supportive, non-judgemental, and always good for a laugh and a cheer-up on a crap day."

    She co-founded our sister company Carried, teaches weekend antenatal classes, and loves helping parents grow in confidence through pregnancy, birth & the early years.

  • A woman with brown hair, wearing a green and white striped shirt and blue jeans, is smiling and sitting outside on a small ledge surrounded by green plants and a pink wall.

    Katharine Boylan

    Katharine (she/her) is a parenting consultant, co-founder of Gathered, and mum of three lively little ones. Formerly a primary teacher in South London, she shifted focus after becoming a parent herself, training as a carrying consultant and later as a CalmFamily parenting consultant.

    She also co-founded our sister company Carried, and now supports families through toddlerhood courses, workshops (like weaning and sleep), and 1:1 consults.

    "I wanted someone to read all the books and just give me the lowdown- now I get to be that person for other parents."

    Katharine loves deep chats (and trashy TV), Italian food, lots of coffee, and isn’t afraid of a good cry, or a good hug.

  • A woman with short curly hair, wearing red lipstick, earrings, and a white T-shirt with a drawing of a woman and text on it, taking a selfie against a plain background.

    Cherie Huie

    Cherie (she/her) is a former midwife, mum of two, and Gathered facilitator. Originally from Gloucestershire, she moved to London to study Midwifery and spent 10 years working across the NHS, including in the community, her favourite place to support new families.

    After becoming a mum herself, Cherie experienced a tough postnatal period and later recognised she’d been living with postnatal depression. Her second birth was a healing homebirth, and by then she had found a local community that helped her step into motherhood with more confidence and joy.

    "I come to Gathered with a deep passion for supporting people through the beautiful, messy, and transformative journey of becoming a parent. Meeting other mums shouldn’t be a luxury - it should be a birthright."

  • A woman with light hair wearing a leopard-print sweater holds a young child with curly hair in front of decorated Christmas trees with lights.

    Jodie Snowdon

    Jodie (she/her) is a Gathered facilitator and local East Dulwich mum. She’s lived in the area for 7 years and has a bright, determined two-year-old son who keeps her on her toes!

    Before becoming a parent, Jodie worked in education, mostly as a pastoral head of year for students aged 11–14, focusing on behaviour, wellbeing, and safeguarding. She later worked as PA to a school principal.

    Jodie first joined Gathered as a member when her son was 8 months old and says it was the first time she truly felt at ease as a new mum.

    "Gathered was such a grounding space for me. I just wish I’d found it earlier. I’m so grateful I now get to help create that space for others."

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    Helen Skinner

    Helen she/her brings a wealth of experience to our Mum & Toddler gatherings in East Dulwich. She’s an NCT course leader, baby massage teacher, and certified carrying consultant, as well as Carrying Consultant over at our sister company, Carried, where she offers babywearing support and private massage sessions.

    Helen is mum to Theo and Ayla, who are both now in primary school, and lives locally in ED.

    “What I love most about my various roles is seeing people go through something as fundamental as becoming a parent. Whether it’s their first time, second time or beyond, it’s such a privilege to be part of that journey and support them through the process.”

    With her calm, grounding presence and deep knowledge of the early years, Helen is a huge source of reassurance for parents navigating the fourth trimester and beyond. We’re so lucky to have her on the team.

  • A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair smiling, standing in front of a brick wall, wearing a white T-shirt with blue text that says 'Crystal Palace' and a brown, fuzzy coat.

    Chloe George

    Chloe (she/her) is a postnatal doula, yoga and movement teacher, writer, mother of two, and Gathered facilitator. She lives in Crystal Palace with her family and loves yoga, dancing in the kitchen, reading, and time in nature.

    After becoming a mum, Chloe was surprised by how tough the postnatal period felt, and how little support was available. That experience became a powerful motivator, leading her to support others through the early weeks and years of parenting.

    "Gathered is the group I longed for as a first-time mum - a space of non-judgemental support, shared stories, and real connection. It’s an honour to be part of that for other mums now."

    Through her work, Chloe is passionate about reminding parents just how capable and brilliant they already are, especially when they’re feeling unsure.

    www.chloeelizabethgeorge.com

  • A woman with long dark hair wearing a checkered dress and a black wide-brimmed hat standing in front of a brick wall, smiling at the camera.

    Emma Pound

    Emma (she/her) is a TV producer, community enthusiast, breastfeeding peer supporter, and Gathered facilitator. She’s from Herne Hill and now lives in Crystal Palace, where she loves bringing people together, from big birthday parties to local parent WhatsApp groups.

    With over 14 years of experience as a TV producer and director, Emma has traveled the world meeting people and hearing their stories. She brings that same sense of connection and trust to her Gathered groups, minus the cameras!

    "I craved real connection as a new mum, and Gathered gave me that - a place to share, laugh, and feel seen."

    Emma’s parenting journey has included baby loss and post-natal anxiety, and she’s passionate about creating space for others to share their experiences and feel less alone.

    Follow Emma on Instagram: @emmapoundtv

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    Pamela Cuthill

    Pamela she/her is a born-and-bred South Londoner now living in Oxted. She’s a Sexual Health Community Outreach Manager, Gathered facilitator, and full-time snack-fetcher to two small children and one muddy cocker spaniel.

    With a background in mental health, substance misuse, and sexual health, Pamela’s spent her career creating spaces where people feel heard, supported, and absolutely not judged.

    Her own parenting journey hasn’t been the glossy kind. It’s included postnatal depression, anxiety, a pandemic (remember that?), miscarriage, and fertility challenges. Which is why she’s so passionate about being a part of a community like Gathered, where you don’t have to pretend. No toxic positivity. No competitive milestone chat. Just a space to exhale and be exactly where you are.

    Pamela is passionate about mental health, inclusion, and dismantling shame wherever it lurks. Also: carbs, dark humour, and strong coffee that doesn’t need reheating three times.