Helping north Manchester mums through the experiences of pregnancy and beyond has become a key focus for one such mum, who received support from Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (GMMH).
Support group Mindful Mums, aimed at improving mental health and wellbeing through peer-to-peer support, was set up by mum of one Lauren, 35, who is originally from Blackley but now lives in Moston.
And now that work, along with an exploration of various themes of motherhood, is to be showcased as part of this year’s Manchester Science Festival (Friday 18 – Sunday 27 October 2024), organised by Manchester’s Science and Industry Museum and presented by Malandra Jacks creative and theatre Company.
A free exhibition, entitled Maternal Instinct which will be held at Harpurhey Sure Start Centre, will feature Lauren hosting family friendly mindfulness sessions as part of a week-long programme of activities, running from Tuesday October 22 until Saturday October 26.
Exhibits and interactive features will include audio recordings from Mindful Mums, an audio challenge and motherhood boardgame area complete with mum Buckaroo, posing the question: ‘How much load can mum take before she Buckaroos?’
Lauren, who has had mental health support as a service user from Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust’s Perinatal Services, is delighted to be taking part.
She said: “Having been really poorly in the past with my own mental health, I am really pleased to have been able to set up the support group and to help other mums through mindfulness and self-care. This exhibition will show these experiences to a much wider audience.
“From my own personal perspective, the help of the Trust’s perinatal team and the support of psychologist, Dr Catherine Coogan, has been a lifesaver for me.”
Dr Catherine Coogan, Head of Secondary Care Psychology for GMMH, who will also be presenting on the subject ‘Treat Yourself Kindly’ during the week, said: “It’s such an inspiration to see how Lauren has not only transformed her life but has gone on to use her experiences to provide a welcoming peer to peer support group for mums to help each other in a safe and nurturing space. Every mum needs a tribe and Mindful Mums offers workshops and advice on a range of topics.”
Chloe, from Malandra Jacks, said: “My colleague Josh and I have always wanted to do a project with Lauren and the amazing mums at Mindful Mums. We are from the same community in Moston and Harpurhey and have always supported each other’s projects over the years, but it feels really special to properly collaborate with Mindful Mums and The Science and Industry Museum.”
Josh, from Malandra Jacks, added: “This project has really opened our eyes to the world of parenting and motherhood, and we are even more in awe at the challenges and capabilities of being a mum. Even if you’re not a mum or a parent yourself, everyone knows someone who is. We have learned a lot in this project, and we know that whoever steps through the doors of the exhibition will too.”
Faith Yianni, Learning Producer for Community Partnerships at the Science and Industry Museum, said: “It’s been a joy and privilege to work with Lauren on this project. In the Community Partnerships team, it’s important to us that real voices from our city shape the Museum’s content. Lauren and the Mindful Mums’ contribution opens up a space in the Manchester Science Festival for people to recognise themselves and feel welcomed and connected to the world of science.”
Manchester Science Festival explores the extremes of nature, human capability and creativity through entertaining events, immersive performances, family fun and hands-on activities across 10 days of inspiring experiences.
Harpurhey Sure Start Centre is located at Upper Conran Street, Manchester M9 4DA. For more information contact info@malandrajacks.co.uk
