One of the culture shocks about going freelance is the fact most of the time it’s just me at the kitchen table, getting words down with only Mr Coffee for company.

As a staff journalist I relished the occasional chance to work from home, free from the distractions of the office, but do it every day and it starts to wear a bit thin.

Luckily I found a few online journalism communities – aside from the obvious Twitter – which have been great for those times when I need advice or simply a bit of banter.

Here are some of my favourite social media groups and Twitter chats for all journalists, whether you have an office to go to or not.

Social media

Journalists on Facebook

While Facebook still doesn’t work well for newsgathering in my opinion, the Journalists on Facebook Page is a great resource for industry news and best practice tips for using the platform. With 1.3 million fans, this is one of the most established journalism communities online.

While Facebook still doesn’t work well for newsgathering in my opinion, the Journalists on Facebook Page is a great resource for industry news and best practice tips for using the platform. With 1.3 million fans, this is one of the most established journalism communities online. LinkedIn for Journalists

An active community featuring advice and discussion points for journalists. Also hosts a regular free webinar covering how to get story leads, build sources and engage audiences on LinkedIn. The next one is June 1.

An active community featuring advice and discussion points for journalists. Also hosts a regular free webinar covering how to get story leads, build sources and engage audiences on LinkedIn. The next one is June 1. #mojocon

Started after RTÉ's recent MoJoCon in Dublin, this Facebook group is a space for anyone to ask questions and share ideas around mobile journalism. It also organises a fortnightly mojo meetup in Dublin.

Started after RTÉ's recent MoJoCon in Dublin, this Facebook group is a space for anyone to ask questions and share ideas around mobile journalism. It also organises a fortnightly mojo meetup in Dublin. Open Newsroom

A Google+ community founded by Storyful in 2013, Open Newsroom now has more than 1,100 members and focuses on verifying information from breaking news stories.

A Google+ community founded by Storyful in 2013, Open Newsroom now has more than 1,100 members and focuses on verifying information from breaking news stories. Journalism Tools

Another Google+ community, this time from Ezra Eeman, the man behind the popular @journalism2ls Twitter account. Launched this year, the group has a growing following of people sharing apps and tools suitable for journalists.

Another Google+ community, this time from Ezra Eeman, the man behind the popular @journalism2ls Twitter account. Launched this year, the group has a growing following of people sharing apps and tools suitable for journalists. The No1 Freelance Ladies’ Buddy Agency

With more than 2,000 members, this Facebook group is a place for freelancers to get support and advice on case studies and experts for stories. All members are vetted to make sure they’re genuine journalists.

Twitter chats