Every second Friday of each month, 10.30am-11.30am
*New location from Friday 8th May 2026*
Group Facilitator: Alice
Contact: pandaseastkent@gmail.com
What inspired you to set up your group? – I was inspired to set up the group due to my lived experience. Prior to me going through it, I had no experience of anyone in my life experiencing perinatal mental health issues (to my knowledge). I want to be there for others in similar positions and also give them hope that you can live a happy life as a parent, even if it feels impossible right now.
What does the building look like? The building is a community hall and typically looks like one! There is a gated fence outside; the gates will be open. There is also a banner on the gate saying “Arkley Studio & Pop-up Venue”, so look out for that.
There is parking at the venue, and what about public transport? – you’ll see spaces as you drive through the gates. If the car park looks full, it may be the case that we’d have to block each other in a bit- I can check with the other group members that they’d be happy with this, and if not, there is on-road parking on Arkley Road and surrounding roads also. Herne Bay train station is about a 10-minute walk from our venue, and there are local bus stops nearby also.
Where is the entrance to the building? – There is one door to get into the building, which has a frame at the bottom, so a pram would need to be lifted a little to get in.
What is the space like? – We use the “lounge/kitchen” area of the building for our group, as it is more comfortable, but it also has a large hall so prams can be left in there. We do not have specific baby change facilities, so it is best if you are able to bring travel change mats.
What should I do when I arrive? – The group is intimate and very chilled, you’ll walk straight into the “lounge/kitchen” area where I will greet you and offer you a drink. There will be new attendee forms and group behaviour expectations to read through, but you can do these at your own pace throughout the start of the session.
