What started as a small WhatsApp walking group has grown into a thriving Community Interest Company (CIC) supporting hundreds of mothers across East Lothian.
Founded by Sarah Noon in January 2025, East Lothian Mums Club was created to bring mums together, helping them build friendships, access peer support and feel connected during what can often be a challenging and isolating time of life. Starting with around 30 members, the community has grown rapidly, with more than 300 mums now connected through a network of local WhatsApp groups across East Lothian.
Unlike traditional parent and toddler groups, East Lothian Mums Club focuses on the wellbeing of mums themselves, while ensuring children are always welcome.
As Sarah began developing the CIC, she sought support from Business Gateway East Lothian, where she connected with Business Adviser Irene Ramsay. Through those early conversations, Sarah received guidance on growing and strengthening the organisation, including advice on building a wider team to ensure the CIC could develop sustainably.
Since then, East Lothian Mums Club has grown into a team of three directors, with Sarah joined by Megan and Shona, each bringing their own skills and experience to support the organisation's development.
The organisation has now established community hubs in both Haddington and Blindwells, creating welcoming spaces where mums can meet, work remotely, relax with their children or simply enjoy some adult conversation. The hubs regularly host activities including Pilates, arts and crafts, clubs and wellbeing sessions.
Collaboration has been at the heart of the organisation's growth. One of the Mums Clubs most significant partnerships has been with the Haddington-based CIC, Joe's Gym. Sarah notes that without their support, the Haddington clubhouse would not have been possible. The clubhouse has become a valuable community space where mums can connect, access activities and build supportive relationships.
East Lothian Mums Club also partner with local practitioners and businesses to provide affordable support for mums. Through partnerships with sleep consultant Jade Zammit, IBCLC lactation specialist Jill Gibson and women’s health physiotherapist Josie from Align Physio, mothers can access expert guidance on sleep, feeding and pelvic floor health.
Recent success with Big Lottery funding has helped the organisation continue to grow, and the team remains committed to securing further funding, developing local partnerships, and creating a community where every mum feels supported, connected, and empowered.
Alongside its community activities, as part of East Lothian Council’s Economic Development Business Month, the Mums Club hosted an information session at the Blindwells Hub with Business Gateway Adviser Irene Ramsay and SCMA Officer Louise Derby. Parents and aspiring entrepreneurs learned about careers in childminding, self-employment and the support available when starting a business.
If you missed the Blindwells session, another opportunity will take place at the Haddington Hub on 28 October. Anyone interested in starting a business, exploring childminding as a career, or finding out more about the support available through Business Gateway and the SCMA is welcome to attend.
Sarah said:
"Everything we do is about creating opportunities for mums to connect, support one another and access experiences they might not otherwise have. The partnerships we've built along the way have been a huge part of that and have helped us create something that really responds to what local mums are looking for."
Looking ahead, East Lothian Mums Club plans to expand its programme of workshops, activities and events, while continuing to work alongside local businesses, community groups and support organisations. By building on these partnerships, the team hopes to create even more opportunities that support the wellbeing, confidence and ambitions of mums across East Lothian.
East Lothian Mums Club's journey demonstrates how accessing business support, embracing collaboration and responding to community needs can help transform a simple idea into an organisation making a meaningful difference across East Lothian.
Find out more at www.eastlothianmumsclub.co.uk
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