Protected &
Progressing LIVE!
A Parenthood Journey Event
By Pregnant and Protected and Outlet Ten Discussions
Tickets: Adult - ÂŁ10 | Kids - FREE
(Includes luxury tote bag filled with goodies worth ÂŁ30!)
Saturday 3 October 2026 | 12-4pm | Citylabs 1.0, Manchester
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Over 100 people already signed up!
The afternoon at a glance
4 panels | A fireside chat | 6 drop-in workshops | Free legal advice | 20+ Exhibitor stalls | Live music
12pm | Doors open
Exhibition Stalls open all day, free legal guidance and live music from the start.
12.30pm | Panel: Coming Back Stronger After Maternity Leave
Host: Agnes Agyepong, founder and CEO of Global Child and Maternal Health (GLOMAMA)
Katie McGill, BACP-accredited psychotherapist, Katie McGill Psychotherapy
Jo Hoddes, co-founder of Women's Health Club and co-founder of the Elevate women's network
Rachel Bannister, co-founder of ParentPath
1pm | Drop-in workshops
Feeding support with qualified midwife Abigail Latif
Flexible Teacher Talent with Lindsay
1.30pm | Panel: Fertility, Miscarriage and Life After Loss: Trying for a Baby, or Losing a Baby... Behind Closed Doors
Host: Kay Crewdson, broadcaster and Trustee of Cradle, the baby loss charity
Belinda Adams, former NHS doctor and founder of Fertility Hero
Claire Ingle, HR professional and fertility advocate, Fertility Matters at Work
Nichola Ramsden, Fertility Support Midwife at Manchester Fertility
2pm | Drop-in workshops
Returning to exercise safely: a Pilates session with Lyndsay (The Manchester Mums Movement)
Creative writing with Helen Bryce-Kirby
2.30pm | Panel: Computer Says No: Navigating Return-to-Work Barriers, Flexible Working, AI and Discrimination
Host: Joeli Brearley, founder of Pregnant Then Screwed and director of Growth Spurt
Heather Black, founder and CEO of Supermums
Danielle Ayres, pregnancy and maternity solicitor, Pregnant & Protected
Donna Patterson, founder of Let's Talk Work and workplace rights advocate
3pm | Fireside chat: Pregnant Then Protected
Clare Downing, a mum who took her employer to tribunal while on maternity leave, and won
In conversation with Danielle Ayres, pregnancy and maternity solicitor, Pregnant & Protected
3pm | Drop-in workshops
Breathwork with Kelly Trowers
Coaching for mums in matrescence with Lisa Mabberley (Mother Nurture and Wild)
3.30pm | Panel: The Cost of Carrying the Invisible Load, and Why We Need Male Allies More Than Ever
Host: Andy May, campaigner with The Dad Shift
Joeli Brearley, founder of Pregnant Then Screwed and director of Growth Spurt
Nathan Barnes, founder of Dadtenatal
Errol Murray, founder of Leeds Dads
4pm | Close
Every panel ends with audience Q&A, so bring your questions. All workshops are drop-in, so there's no need to book. Just turn up.
What is Protected & Progressing Live?
Protected & Progressing Live is a parenthood journey expo for anyone thinking about having a baby, expecting one, on leave, going back to work, or supporting someone who is.
Four hours. One venue. Panel discussions, practical workshops, free legal advice, and a room full of exhibitors who actually understand what you are going through.
Brought to you by Pregnant & Protected, Primas Law and Outlet Ten Discussions, this is our first ever live event, marking one year of helping people understand and protect their rights at work.
It is not a lecture. It is not corporate. It is an afternoon where you can ask the questions you have been Googling at 2am and get a straight answer from someone who knows.
Who is this for?
This event is for everyone. Mums, dads, partners, grandparents, single parents, adoptive parents, foster carers, people who've experienced baby loss, and anyone supporting someone on that journey. Whether you're pregnant, trying, returning to work, or just want to understand your rights - you're welcome here.
If you have questions about employment rights, legal protections, flexible working, financial support, or simply want to hear from people who've been through it - this is your afternoon.
What to Expect
❋ Panel DiscussionsReal conversations with real people. Our panels bring together experts and people with lived experience to talk about the things that actually matter — your rights at work, the realities of modern parenting, and the support most people don't know exists. Each panel includes audience Q&A so you can ask what's on your mind.
âť‹ Practical Drop-In SessionsSmaller, hands-on sessions running alongside the panels. Turn up, ask your question, leave with something you can use on Monday morning.
âť‹ Expert Legal AdvicePrimas Law's employment team will be on hand throughout the afternoon offering free guidance on your rights during pregnancy, maternity, paternity, and parental leave.
âť‹ FreebiesEvery Ticket Comes With a Goodie Bag Worth Over ÂŁ30
Your ÂŁ10 gets you a luxury tote bag on arrival, packed with more than you paid for it.
Inside: merchandise, product samples, exclusive discount codes from our partners, and the plain-English guides from Pregnant & Protected that explain your rights during pregnancy, maternity, paternity and parental leave. The kind of information most people only go looking for once something has already gone wrong.
âť‹ Exhibition StallsBrowse stalls from charities, support organisations, recruitment specialists, and services that are genuinely relevant to your life right now. The kind of organisations you'll wish you'd found sooner.
❋ Food & DrinkThe venue café is open throughout the event and you are welcome to bring your own food and snacks!
Celebrating One Year of Impact with Pregnant & Protected!
〰️
Celebrating One Year of Impact with Pregnant & Protected! 〰️
Get your ticket
Date: Saturday 3rd October| Time: 12:00pm - 04:00pm | Venue: Citylabs 1.0, Manchester
Tickets: Adults ÂŁ10 | Kids free Includes: Goodie bag on arrival, food and drink available on site
Access: Wheelchair accessible, baby changing facilities, breastfeeding welcome, pushchair parking available
Getting there: Citylabs 1.0 sits on Nelson Street, just off Oxford Road, one of the best connected stretches of road in the city.
By bus: Services 15, 38, 41, 42, 42A, 43, 44, 111, 141, 142, 143, 157, X41 and X57 stop directly outside. By train: Manchester Oxford Road is the nearest station, around a 15 minute walk or a short bus ride. Manchester Piccadilly is also within easy reach. By car: On-site parking is available, with additional public car parks on Grafton Street and Hathersage Road, both a couple of minutes away. By bike: Cycle storage on site, with Bee Network bike docks nearby.
FAQs
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Do I have to be pregnant to come?
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No. This event is for anyone on the parenthood journey at any stage, and anyone supporting someone who is. Mums, dads, partners, grandparents, single parents, adoptive parents, foster carers, people who have experienced baby loss, and anyone who just wants to understand their rights.
Can I bring my children?
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Yes. Kids go free and are genuinely welcome. Baby changing facilities and pushchair parking are available on site.
Is the legal advice really free?
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Yes. Pregnant and Protected and Primas Law's employment team will be available all afternoon with no charge and no obligation. You will not be sold anything.
No. Come for one panel, stay for all four, or drop in for a workshop. The goodie bag is yours on arrival either way.
Do I need to stay for the whole four hours?
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What if I can only make part of the afternoon?
Is it accessible?
Can I breastfeed at the event?
Is there food and refreshments?
What if I can't afford the ticket?
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The panels run to a published timetable, which we will share with ticket holders in advance so you can plan around it.
Citylabs 1.0 is fully wheelchair accessible with step-free entry, accessible toilets, and lift access throughout.
Absolutely, anywhere you like. A quiet space will also be available if you prefer.
There is an onsite Starbucks and we will also provide free drinks and refreshments.
Get in touch at hello@pregnantandprotected.co.uk. We do not want ÂŁ10 to be the reason anyone misses out.