Maternal Journal in Sutton
In August 2020, Judith Armstrong, Home-Start Sutton charity’s manager, conatcted me to discuss the possibility of supporting local mothers through making art. She was coconcerned about the impact that lockdown was having on new mums and their babies and the implications that social distancing was having.
As a founder mother of Maternal Journal, I thought to be the perfect opportunity to launch this award winning journaling project in Sutton and thanks to Community Action Sutton and Sutton Giving COVID-19 Rebuild Fund the project went ahead in October 2020.
Journaling presents an opportunity for emotional catharsis and helps the brain regulate emotions, it creates the space to explore thoughts, feelings and experiences through pregnancy, birth and beyond for positive mental health and wellbeing. Maternal Journal Sutton is aimed at mothers, living in the Borough, who are either in the last trimester of pregnancy or within a year of baby's birth.
I led the first group face to face for the last 3 months of 2020 at the Cryers Theatre in Carshalton and on the 25th Feb 2021 the next group will hopefully commence. If you are a new mum/carer and you live in Sutton,please email judith@home-start.org.uk
What participants have said about the project:
Is a creative and innovative way to explore your feelings through motherhood thanks to the use of different techniques. Having a break for yourself to take the time to think about what means for you to become a mum, helps me to put aside all the worries.
Also being able to do this course with your little one, made me to create a stronger bond.
Loved every second.Loved following the prompts and I was so proud of we have achieved.
It was incredible for my mental health.It was an amazing start to motherhhod.It helped me to be mindful and to express my range of feelings in becoming a new mum.
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