Stroud Motherhood Collective is launching a new programme of support groups for mothers across the Stroud district this week, following successful fundraising in Stroud District Council’s first ‘Stroudfunding’ crowdfunding initiative for local community groups in 2024.
Founded in 2023, Stroud Motherhood Collective already runs a popular series of peer support groups in conjunction with Stroud Maternity Unit, supported by funding from Stroud Hospitals League of Friends.
After a successful crowdfunder last year, which included £3,000 of support from Stroud District Council, they are launching a year-long programme of creative and wellbeing workshops, which will allow mums to explore a different creative or wellbeing practice each month. Sessions include singing, creative writing, creative journaling, dance movement, massage and guided relaxation.
Alongside the creative or wellbeing practice each month, the sessions also include peer support: participants are invited to share with other mothers about the ups and downs of motherhood in a gently-facilitated group.
The programme starts this Sunday 25th May with a Mothers’ Singing Circle at the roundhouse at Stroud Community Agriculture, 10.30am-12pm. Other new groups include a creative writing session at Stroud Library on Saturday 7th June, 10am – 11:30am and a creative journaling group at Oakbrook Community Farm, Sunday 6th July, 10am – 12 noon. Pregnant women and mothers of children of any age are warmly welcomed and can book their space at bookwhen.com/stroudmotherhood.
Stroud Motherhood Collective founder and co-director Catherine Forrester said:“The pressures and expectations on modern mothers are unprecedented, at a time that community and state support has dropped away from new parents.
“One in five mothers in the UK last year experienced a diagnosed mental health condition, with many many more suffering in silence. Suicide is now the leading cause of death in mothers in the year after birth.
“We are working to create more spaces in which mothers can be really honest about their experience, find support from others, and learn new skills that support wellbeing.
“We are thrilled to be launching this year-long programme of events to support mothers and help them create space, connection and joy.”
For more information visit stroudmotherhood.com or email team@stroudmotherhood.com
