About

Hi I’m Cleo founder of ‘The Joy of… Collective’ a community for women who may be starting again and wish to reconnect with themselves and others. The community is based in Ipswich but is accessible online for those further a field.

In a world where kindness and community feels like rebellion, The Joy of… Collective is a response, an act of positive anarchy. Each of us are learning to be a conscious villager so each of us can build a village around ourselves while being an active part of other people’s villages.

The Joy of… Collective’ has an open ended name, inviting YOU to explore and discover what brings YOU joy. What sparks joy within you?

The aim of ‘The Joy of… Collective’ is to

•Discover every day joy

•Facilitate connection between members so you can create/extend your own village

•Skills building and resources sharing

•Self discovery, acceptance and development while supporting your community do the same

•Exploration and learning through shared experiences and advice

Currently I run the collective myself with the aim of bringing in community leaders who specialise in different subjects who can give advice and deliver workshops on topics that effect women.

I currently host three meet ups for the community:

‘Walk and Talk’ an active meet up for women to get outside in nature, while talking about everything and nothing while connecting with other women. They are all dog friendly. There are usually two walks a month one kids welcome and the other just for the women to have their own space to be, to talk and breathe.

‘Cake and Connect’ a creative meet up currently being held at The flying horse pub in the café there. The meet up is a creative one where we hang out, eat cake while doing something creative. This may be an organised crafting session or a bring what you are working on and lets craft together.

‘Girls’ night‘ a night out connecting over good food, new company somewhere local. It’s a chance to get out out, dress up if you like, and have an evening to just be you.

I have plans for future events, such as Speed friending events, Conversation circles, Retreats and more, but for now while it is a solo passion project all meet ups are shoe horned into my life of full time work, solo parenting, and studying. Things will fall into place with consistency, prioritisation, iteration and creativity.

I would love to collaborate with other community groups, artists, creatives, and local businesses especially if they are female led. If this is you please do not hesitate to get in touch.