“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 thrive.

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

  • 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.

    "Even as a midwife, I found early parenthood overwhelming. Gathered is the community I wish I’d had - supportive, non-judgemental, and real."

    She co-founded our sister company Carried, teaches weekend antenatal classes, and loves helping parents grow in confidence, while laughing through the chaos.

  • 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.

  • 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."

  • 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."

  • Helen Skinner

  • 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.

    Follow her on Instagram: @stretchedmums

  • 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

  • Pamela Cuthill