Free app aims to combat loneliness among mums

But a wave of new social opportunities in Eastbourne being organised through Mush is helping mums who are new to the area, who are struggling to get out with their baby or who just want to widen their social circle, to get out and meet others like them.

The app puts you in touch with others based on the ages of your kids and your interests, such as walk along the seafront and coffee shop meet ups.

Loneliness among mums can lead to mental health problems and Mush is trying to end isolation by urging mums nationwide to sign up to the free app.

Local mum Taryn Sargent, 34, is mum to four-month-old Ellie and, as the Mush research suggests, found it hard to meet people at first.

She said, “You become a mum and your whole life changes, so all of a sudden you don’t have as much in common with your existing friends who don’t have children.

“Being a new mum is really tough as there’s so much to get your head around and you’re exhausted and emotional, so it can be a lonely time if you don’t know others in the same position who can assure you what you’re experiencing is normal.

“I didn’t get to do any ante-natal classes and meet any mums-to-be as my daughter was six weeks early, but Mush allowed me to meet more mums who lived near me and who had babies of a similar age.