Happy Mums, an award-winning social enterprise, is preparing to launch new peer-led support groups in West Cumbria and is calling on the community to help establish and sustain them.
The group already runs sessions in Workington, Cockermouth, and Wigton, and now plans to expand into Whitehaven and Maryport.
The Workington Happy Mums group (Image: Happy Mums) Diane, Happy Mums’ facilitating lead for West Cumbria, said: “We know it’s not always easy to talk about mental health or ask for help.
“That’s why we’re coming to you, so when, or if, you come to us, we’re not strangers.”
She will be joining Little Strollers walks and other Family Hub events this week to meet mothers, hear their experiences, and gather feedback on the most convenient times and locations for the new groups.
A spokesperson for Happy Mums say it offers a “non-judgmental space for mums with children of all ages to connect, share, and feel supported.”
Each session aims to include a volunteer helper to entertain the children, allowing mothers to focus on their own wellbeing.
According to the organisation, the peer-led model has proven impact, with 90 per cent of mums who complete Happy Mums’ impact survey report improved ability to manage their mental health.
A 28-year-old group member said: “Happy Mums isn’t like other mum-and-toddler groups.
“It’s a place where you can just be yourself, not just ‘mum,’ and talk about things you’d never say at the school gate.”
The organisation is inviting the community to get involved by volunteering as facilitators, helpers, welcomers, or ambassadors, and by offering regular meeting spaces or sharing ideas on what would make a support group work in their area.
Support is welcomed from parents, professionals, or anyone passionate about mental health.
To get involved or find out more, visit www.happymums.org.uk or email info@happymums.org.uk.
Upcoming outreach events include:
– Little Strollers Wigton Family Hub on Wednesday, September 10 from 11.45am to 12.15pm – Little Strollers Maryport Promenade Café on Thursday, September 11 from 1.30pm to 2.30pm
Current Happy Mums support groups in West Cumbria run on:
– Wednesdays from 1pm to 2pm at Friend meeting house, Cockermouth – Thursdays from 10am to 11am at St Cuthbert’s Church Hall, Wigton – Fridays from 10.30am to 11.30am at St Mary’s, Westfield, Workington
Founded in 2015, Happy Mums aims to make maternal mental health support accessible throughout Cumbria through peer support.
