InBloom #9: Join the Club

This week we have launched the application process for new Bloom UK members. Applications are only open for a short period every year and you have until 4th June to apply to become a new Bloomer.

This year we will be strengthening and nourishing the membership with some fabulous events, networking opportunities and chance to pay it forward to the less experienced women the industry.

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??♀? ??????????????????: Gain access to a nurturing network of the industry's top female talent across media, marketing, and communications.

???? ???????????????????? ?????? ????????????????: Enjoy monthly members-only events and skill-sharing workshops that are both fun and enriching.

????????????????????????: Participate in our well-curated mentoring program to share your skills and inspire the next generation of women leaders.

???????????? ????????????: Help support our charity partner, Women's Aid Federation of England , with 20% of your membership fee contributing to their vital work, plus additional fundraising events.

????????? ????????? Bloom is not just about networking and skill development. We’re about making a real difference—championing social change and promoting inclusion within our industry.

How to apply?

Why being a member matters?

I wanted to take this opportunity to talk about why joining communities, clubs and organisations matters. Obviously, I am passionate about Bloom and everything it stands for but I have always been a "joiner". I love team sport, I believe in the power of a community and I like to help make change happen.

Twelve years ago I joined Duchenne UK as a Trustee to support the quite incredible Emily Reuben OBE on her road to ending Duchenne. I feel so proud and honoured to say the charity has raised over ￡27m since 2012. This weekend I will be volunteering on the Duchenne Dash as 120 cyclists ride from London to Paris in 24 hours!

There is an army of volunteers who make this event happen - Emily Waring Benjamin Griffiths Will Pearson Chris Woodford Matt Crawford Tom Wickert Máire Ryan to name a few - without them it just wouldn't be possible. It is full of sweat, tears, exhaustion and joyous moments. We are all mates even though we only spend 24 hours a year together.

My netball playing days ended a few years ago after an ankle injury but for me netball is key to my sanity so I trained as an England Netball Level 2 coach and now spend 9 months a year coaching three squads of brilliant women and girls at Grasshoppers RFC . I can tell you, these clubs and organisations only exist if passionate and committed people are prepared to put their head above the parapet and participate, lead and show-up. At Gs women like Emilie Wardle, Almabella Hemmings and Tess Kenning have kept our club going through the peaks and the troughs. They do it and they have fun, make friends and meet new people and it inspires me too as well.

So if you are a woman, based in the UK, with at least 6 years experience in the marcomms industry, I would highly recommend you apply to Bloom for 2024/25.

Until next week,

CJ ????