Hey! I’m Rebekah, founder and creator of Nottingham Baby & Toddler Groups and Events, now part of NBT Connect.

Alongside working full time and being a mum to two little ones, I created and grew the community to help parents, carers and local businesses across Nottingham connect, discover opportunities and feel part of a welcoming and supportive community.

The journey began in 2020, when I created the Nottingham Baby & Toddler Groups Facebook group during lockdown. At the time, I had made the difficult decision to permanently close my own baby and toddler classes and was navigating pregnancy during an incredibly challenging and isolating period.

What started as a small online space to find support, share information and keep local groups connected quickly grew into something much bigger. I wanted to help parents find activities and support, while also giving local baby and toddler groups, practitioners and small businesses a way to remain visible and connected with families at a time when many were struggling.

Since then, the community has grown to support more than 6,700 families and has developed from a Facebook group into a wider community platform across Facebook and Instagram, face-to-face events and sector initiatives.

Over the years, I have created and organised NBT Community Events, the Nottingham Baby & Toddler Events Tour, seasonal family events, Nottingham’s first Daddy Day, NBT Fest and the NBT Awards. These initiatives have brought thousands of families together while creating opportunities for local providers, practitioners, charities and small businesses to connect with their communities.

I have also supported wider UK early years and small business communities through judging, sector events, podcasts, radio, talks and panel discussions, contributing to conversations around family support, early years, fatherhood, community development and small business.

In 2026, Nottingham Baby & Toddler officially evolved into NBT Connect.

The rebrand reflects how far the community has grown and the wider purpose it now serves. What began as a space specifically focused on babies, toddlers and local groups has developed into a broader network connecting families, communities, businesses, providers and opportunities across Nottingham and the surrounding areas.

NBT Connect now brings this work together under one umbrella through Community Hubs, Community Events, NBT Awards and NBT Consultancy with Rebekah Henry.

At its heart, NBT Connect remains rooted in the same purpose it had back in 2020: bringing people together, strengthening communities, supporting local organisations and helping families access the opportunities, activities and support around them.

This has never been about social media attention, free classes or financial gain. It has always been driven by a genuine belief in the value of community-led early years and family support, a passion for helping local providers thrive, and a commitment to creating welcoming spaces where families can connect, feel supported and belong.