Livestock’s mission is to help mothers feel less isolated and more able to cope with motherhood. Their Mother’s Uncovered group run peer-led creative workshops to share their histories and experiences to empower mothers.
Specialist services such as peer support are hugely effective and can make the difference between a woman coping well and suffering with serious mental ill-health. Giving women permission to think about themselves, as they do at Mothers Uncovered, can sometimes be all it takes.
A grant from Sussex Community Foundation last year has helped the charity establish a young mum’s peer support group using the same successful model they have been running for mums of all ages.
Sarah accessed Mothers Uncovered in autumn. Her living situation is precarious, as she has discovered her partner has been unfaithful. She has no choice but to stay with him as they are living with his family and she has no support network in Brighton.
Through her use of the Young People’s Centre, Sarah found out about Mothers Uncovered, a partner organisation of the Centre, and was keen to attend. She received childcare from the onsite creche which enabled her to participate in the course. Sarah was initially reluctant to come as she thought she would be judged for being a young mother but instead found the experience very welcoming.
“This helped me feel not alone with certain struggles with being a mum. I’ve loved the group, the facilitators, the peer support and the other mums. I don't want it to end. I have enjoyed having time to myself where I can focus on me and doing something I enjoy. It felt like a mini self-development course. You realise not all older mums are judging you. This will definitely help my mental health. I can try to connect with others and have friends so I can get out more instead of feeling like I am only a mum.”
Sarah has since spoken to the Mother’s Uncovered team about volunteering on a future project, helping to recruit younger mothers and share her positive experience. With experience in this field, she will have the confidence to apply for work as a youth worker in time.
Find out more about Mother Uncovered.
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