Young Mums Mas Groups starting in Ballybeen (Dundonald) and Atlas (Lisburn)

The young mums MAS(Maternal Advocacy and Support) project provides maternal mental health support to women aged 16-25 who are pregnant and/ or who have children up to the age of 3.

We are aware that being a young mum comes with a unique set of challenges and we hope that young women attending the Mas young mums project will benefit from peer support, a conversation based support group where they can make positive friendships and support each other on their motherhood journey.

Young women will also engage in a range of activities and workshops to support their mental health, promote emotional wellbeing, encourage personal development….and of course, get a cup of tea!

In addition, we will listen to the young mums about their own powerful lived experiences to gather their views, advocate for service improvement and map out a vision for change.

Our work is underpinned by the 5 Mind and McPinn principles to ensure the young mums’ experience within the group is:

• Safe – fosters a culture of trust and empathy.

• Inclusive – Takes proactive steps to ensure equal access.

• Complementary – collaborate with clinical services but distinct.

• Informed – design and delivery led by people with lived experience.

• Reciprocal – enable peer supporters to benefit from their involvement.

Our new weekly group will be starting on Tuesday 15th September in Atlas Centre, Lisburn and Friday 2nd October in Ballybeen Womens Centre, Dundonald.

If you are aware of any young mum’s aged 16-25 years who would benefit from coming along to our group – feel free to get in touch with Jennifer Wright Young Mums MAS project worker on jennifer.wright@wrda.net and we can chat more.