Welcome to my new column!

I'm Siani Driver, mum of two, living in Malvern. I am the founder of the Worcestershire Mums Network, a 5000+ strong network of local mums.

Primarily we are a peer support network, helping advise and support mothers and families in areas including mental health, behaviour support, domestic violence, career and education and much more.

We have a bank of volunteers delivering stay and play groups in several of the children's centres across the county – we valued the services so much that after they were cut by the council, many members stepped up to volunteer and we have been able to carry on running the groups.

We also meet on an irregular basis for walks and picnics, and do what we can to fundraise for local charities.

The difference between WMN and many groups is that we strive to be as inclusive and 'safe' a group as possible, with a zero tolerance approach to bullying or discrimination. This seems to be working as in the three years of our life, we've grown organically to over 5,000 members.

So that's the group; but as I'll be writing this column myself I guess I'd better reveal a little more about me.

I've worked in Early Years and SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) for the past 14 years, and have a BA (Hons) in Education and an NVQ in Early Years Care and Education. I'm passionate about improving life for vulnerable groups, especially women and children.

In this column you will get a mix of advice, musings, possibly a little ranting, social commentary, and perhaps even some guest expert Q&A sessions. I'll try to keep things lighthearted but I will also cover topics such as mental health, domestic violence, child safeguarding, and the usual parenting topics like pregnancy, birth, babies, behaviour, feeding, sleep and everything else.

Can't wait!

Siani Driver, Worcestershire Mums Network