On International Women’s Day we launched a new Mum’s supporting Mum’s initiative- ‘Mumentum’

Suzy Sorby our Helping Working Families Project Officer, talks to us about the event, shares experiences of those who came along on the day, and explains how she plans to grow the Mumentum momentum!

"Our vision for Mumentum is to create a mum’s supporting mum’s network to combat the levels of isolation and loneliness that mums face. Typically, everyone thinks of ‘new mums’ but our launch shows there is a wide representation of mums across Torfaen experiencing loneliness and isolation. ?

“It was my first time coming to anything like this and it was what I needed. Overnight my circumstances changed, my relationship broke down and I needed to arrange emergency childcare. Today I was thinking I’m stuck, but after coming here I know I CAN DO THIS! I’m new to the area, don't know anyone but it’s now my time to rebuild my life and shine for my babies!”?

What started out as just an idea after our Christmas community consultation, grabbed the attention of 97 women who all came along for two afternoon tea style events for the launch.

We want to empower our mums of Torfaen to build their confidence and self-esteem within support networks and friendships. We want to create a culture of Mum’s supporting Mums. Celebrating diversity, inclusion and inspiring mums to bring down any barriers they may put up, and be part of something positive.

We were joined by some amazing inspirational speakers: Debbie Gliniany Business’ owner of Mama Ffit, Lauren Morse from Zero Waste Torfaen and Cllr Fiona Cross. Bron Afon’s Executive Director of Operations, Catherine Love and Service Lead for Support and Customer Voice, Sarah Harrison, were our closing speakers.?

We also heard from a local mum via a digital story about her journey as a working mum and heard from one of our Helping Working Family and Mumentum Team volunteers about the difference being a volunteer has made to her, her wellbeing and even her family.

Partner agencies such as Family Information Service, Happy Kids Wales, Multiply, NHS Communications Team, Torfaen Adult Community Learning, Gateway Union, Papyrus and many more also joined us to provide support and information to our mums in attendance which was extremely successful.?

“Fantastic Afternoon, lovely to hear from other women and feel that I'm not the only one who feels certain ways. Great Speakers!”? ?

“I loved this session as an older mum with older children I've become isolated, and this was scary but you were all so welcoming.”?

"It was clear that a lot of hard work went into the event. I really enjoyed learning about the inspirational speakers. I was nervous to come on my own but now I'm glad I did."

"Thank you so much for a lovely event, thank you Bron Afon for bringing the community together - very kind! Thank you to everyone involved." ?

We couldn't do any of this without our wonderful volunteers.

" I think the launch went really well, it was so inspiring and as a volunteer it made me feel proud to be able to do something to help other mum. The feedback we’ve had on the day and since the event has just proved that there is a need for this sort of initiative and that there are a lot of mums feeling lonely and isolated across our community. We want to create a strong peer network so that mums can understand their true worth and find strength by sharing with other mums. I’m really excited for the potential of Mumentum and what it means for those involved.” -?Jenny Mumentum team volunteer. ?

Our team of volunteers worked hard to create an amazing event and I am so proud of what has been achieved in just a short space of time."

Suzy.