We’re delighted to be donating £500 to My Birth Support CIC for their Mums Matter Breakfasts – helping new mums (and grandmas and great grandmas) enjoy parenthood and build friendships to provide support and overcome loneliness. It’s lovely to receive a big “Thank You” from them!
Mums Matter Breakfasts are run by Aileen White (through My Birth Support CIC) with a team of volunteers – she tells us that the money will be used to pay for the venue and the equipment to serve hot drinks at 10 of their monthly Mums Matter Breakfasts (which they hold for 10 months of the year at Thanington Resource Centre, Canterbury).
“Our Mums Matter Breakfasts are all about pampering the parent whether they’re a mum, grandma or great grandma. The mums can come with their little ones, or come along just themselves to meet and make friends with other local mums,” says Aileen.
Each meeting has some kind of activity that’s all about caring for the parents’ mental health and well-being. This has included things like having a facial, making a craft or keepsake with their children’s handprints on, or some kind of singing or movement activity. A recent meeting gave mums the chance to have a mini photoshoot from a professional photographer at an affordable price.
The mums say that the breakfasts help them meet and make friends with other mums. Some mums have never been to a group before and Mums Matter provides a safe place to start accessing support because it’s designed with the parent in mind. Three new mums were asked what they thought of Mums Matter:
Carola says “The Mums Matter Breakfasts are a loving and safe space to meet mothers and provide a space for self-care and support, plus a well needed network for new mums! I cannot thank Aileen and her network enough for supporting mothers in this area and for creating a space to meet and interact!”
Stefanie says: “I attended a Mums Matter Breakfast organised by Aileen from My Birth Support for the first time at 3 weeks after birth. I was anxious as it was an entirely new experience for me and as soon as I walked through the door, Aileen was there with a beaming smile and a wonderful introduction. I was able to meet other mums and chat to new people. I was made to feel extremely wanted and special there. I was so impressed by all the help offered. I have recommended this event to another Mum friend and am already looking forward to the next one.”
Eden says: “ At the Mums Matter Breakfasts, every single volunteer has given me so much confidence and knowledge over the last 9 months. I honestly wouldn’t know how I would’ve overcome each challenging moment or new milestone without them. We are always excited for the next group meeting, just to show how much we’ve both changed in ourselves. My son loves coming every month, playing and meeting new babies and mums. He’s become so confident and the warmest of welcomes is always appreciated.”
Asked about funding, Aileen says: “All Mums Matter Breakfasts are heavily subsidised thanks to grants like this one from Rotary Club of Canterbury. This allows us to offer the breakfasts on a donation basis, ensuring anyone can come and receive support, regardless of their income.”
To find out more about Mums Matter Breakfasts, visit the My Birth Support website here.
Picture: A big “thank you” from all the Mums Matter Breakfast mums and babes! Photo credit: Aileen White, My Birth Support CIC/Rotary Club of Canterbury.
