A group of mums in Nottingham are reclaiming a small slice of ‘me time’ through reading.

On January 14 the Tired Mummas Club opened their doors for the first time this year, welcoming women looking for a relaxed and pressure-free way to unwind.

Unlike a traditional book club, this one does things a little differently.

“A low pressure safe space for people to come together.”
Kirsty Hayward, book club leader

Instead of following a rigid structure, with a set book and required reading, members are free to bring whatever they are currently reading and enjoy it at their own pace.

Kirsty Hayward, group organiser said: “I’d tried a few book clubs with set books before.”

“But after about two books, I would end up either not enjoying the set book or not finishing it.

“It’s encouraged me to read more and also broadened my reading range from taking recommendations from others.”

At the start of the meeting there is 30 minutes silent reading time, allowing busy mums time to relax in silence, followed by discussion and light critiquing of the pages they have just read.

She said that after the silent reading time the group discusses their books and while the conversation may drift to film or TV, books remain their main focus.

Research from networking app Peanut shows that 75 per cent of mothers experience loneliness in the first three months postpartum.

In a time where new mothers are struggling with isolation, groups like this offer an opportunity for mums to carry out a hobby as well as socialising with people they can relate to.

“I never wanted to be one of those mums whose whole personality is their children,” said Kirsty.

“I started to become that person and I was desperate for a tiny snippet of me time.”

“Tired Mummas book club was born after I mentioned it to a few friends who felt the same.”