The idea
Domestic abuse can fracture the connections between mum and child. It can force women to leave their communities for their own safety, leaving them isolated. The trauma of domestic abuse can compound these issues, and these families deserve the highest level of support to give them and their children a chance to thrive.
Through our close work with mums aged 16-24 in our supported accommodation, Liberty House, we have identified a need for more focused work between mothers and their babies to develop a strong bond.
Earlier this year, we ran a pilot project of Liberty Connect – a weekly group focusing on activities to improve maternal mental health, strengthen bonds between mums and babies, and build connections with other mums for peer support as new parents.
Following its success, we want to continue providing this essential space for young mums to strengthen their mental health, parenting skills and tackle loneliness in a particularly vulnerable group of young women.
What we'll deliver
- We will deliver weekly sessions of our group, Liberty Connect. The group will be delivered for 6 months.
Why it's a great idea
Liberty Connect is a weekly session with 2 hours of activities to create a safe, therapeutic space for the young mums of Liberty House.
One element is baby massage supported by a trained key worker. This fosters deep emotional bonding, strengthening the parent-child attachment, helps babies feel secure and decreases stress levels in baby and mum. It helps mums learn their baby’s non-verbal cues and feel more confident.
Mums will also take part in creative activities, journaling, meditation and grounding techniques. This will benefit their mental health, supporting them to explore their emotions, experiences and develop healthy coping tools.
During the sessions, discussions around motherhood, developing parenting skills and managing daily living will be facilitated by a trusted key worker, encouraging young mums to learn from each other and recognise their strengths. This vital element will build the mums’ peer support network and tackle the loneliness of being a new parent.
Steps to get it done
- Deliver weekly sessions for 6 months
