You know what’s missing when you’re freelancing? The colleagues you can turn to when you’re wrestling with a tough decision. The team who understands your challenges because they’re facing them too. The people who genuinely want to see you succeed.
That’s why we’re launching Freelance Forum – NEFN’s new peer-to-peer learning programme designed to give you exactly that support system.
Freelance Forum is a peer-to-peer learning programme that connects small groups of 3-5 freelancers for regular, meaningful collaboration. Think of it as your personal advisory board – a trusted circle of peers who meet regularly to share insights, tackle challenges, and support each other’s growth.
These aren’t formal classes or lectures. They’re collaborative spaces where freelancers at similar stages can be honest about challenges, celebrate wins, and benefit from the collective wisdom of the group.
Frequency: Groups meet every 2 months.
Format: In-person meetings focused on peer learning, problem-solving, and accountability.
Structure: Member-facilitated discussions – this is collaborative learning, not top-down teaching.
Duration: Ongoing commitment to build genuine relationships and see real progress.
Each group creates its own rhythm but typical sessions might include:
Challenge sharing – Bring real business challenges and get strategic input from peers who understand your context
Accountability check-ins – Report on goals, celebrate progress, and get support when you’re stuck
Knowledge exchange – Share what’s working in your business and learn from others’ experiences
Strategic thinking – Work through big decisions with people who have diverse perspectives but shared understanding
Skill sharing – Learn from each other’s expertise and specialized knowledge
The magic happens because everyone brings different experiences, skills, and perspectives – but you’re all navigating the same fundamental challenge of building a successful freelance business.
Collective Wisdom: Five freelancers have exponentially more experience than one. Your group becomes your think tank.
Real Accountability: When you commit to goals in front of peers who care about your success, you’re far more likely to follow through.
Honest Feedback: Get perspectives from people who understand freelancing but aren’t competitors – they can see your blind spots and celebrate your strengths.
Reduced Isolation: Freelancing can be lonely. Your Freelance Forum group becomes your team – people who genuinely understand what you’re dealing with.
Accelerated Growth: Learn from others’ mistakes and successes. What might take you years to figure out alone, you can learn in a single conversation.
Genuine Connections: These aren’t superficial networking relationships. Small groups meeting regularly build real trust and meaningful professional friendships.
Freelance Forum is ideal for established freelancers who:
We’re gathering interest now for our founding cohorts launching in March 2026. We need minimum numbers to form each group, so if this resonates with you, now is the time to express interest.
Being part of the founding cohorts means you’ll help shape how Freelance Forum evolves and be part of something new from the ground up.
Freelance Forum is included with full NEFN membership.
There are plenty of courses, masterminds, and coaching programmes out there. Here’s what makes Freelance Forum different:
It’s peer-to-peer – You’re not paying for a guru’s advice. You’re learning from people in the trenches with you.
It’s ongoing – This isn’t a 6-week programme. It’s a long-term support system that grows with you.
It’s intimate – Groups of 3-5 mean everyone gets meaningful airtime and attention.
It’s collaborative – Everyone contributes their expertise. You’re not just consuming content.
It’s local – Your group will be Northeast freelancers who understand the regional context and can potentially collaborate beyond the group.
It’s included – This is part of your NEFN membership, not an expensive add-on.
Freelance Forum launches March 2026 and we’re gathering interest now. This is your chance to be part of something that could genuinely transform how you approach your freelance business – with the support, accountability, and collective wisdom you’ve been missing.
Find out more and becomre a NEFN member for an expensable £12.99/month here.
Questions? Get in touch at admin@northeastfreelancenetwork.co.uk
Freelance Forum isn’t the only way NEFN is supporting your growth. Combine your peer learning group with our monthly Freelance Focus lunchtime sessions, and you’ve got both the ongoing accountability of a small group AND the practical, topic-specific sessions that help you tackle immediate challenges.
Together, they create a comprehensive support system for your freelance business.
Because freelancing doesn’t mean going it alone.
Freelance Forum is exclusive to full NEFN members. Learn more about membership here.
