Are you an experienced mum or grandma with time to give? A rewarding local project is helping new parents and mums of early years children by sharing the joys and challenges of their own parenting experiences.
Mums and grandparents in North East Lincolnshire are being asked if they can offer vital support to women with new babies and those in their early years as part of a rewarding project.
A new campaign has been launched to encourage more people to join the ‘Butterflies’ group – sharing their experiences of motherhood to benefit those whose family journey is just beginning or is in it’s early stages.
Those behind Butterflies say it is essential that the project expands – of the 1,500 babies born in North East Lincolnshire every year, around 300 of their mums would benefit from help.
Sara Wagstaff, North East Lincolnshire’s Early Years Manager, explains how the volunteers can give so much to those who will listen and learn from them – and in return, those volunteers are rewarded by knowing they are really supporting mums.
She says all the volunteers need is time, listening ears and an ability to build new friendships and share challenges and experiences.
“We find that Butterflies helps the new parents in so many ways – encouraging them to be more confident, and strengthening relationships with their children. All the mums want sometimes is to share joys and challenges and understand that they are not alone,” said Sara.
“For the volunteers too, it means so much. They really feel they are giving something back and they can see they are making a difference, it’s wonderful,” she added.
Sara assured new volunteers that time commitments would be taken into consideration, and they will have a chance to make new friends and importantly make a real difference to local communities.
Her words were echoed by current Butterflies volunteer Jess. Jess joined the project after its launch in 2019, which was financially supported by North East Lincolnshire Council.
She said: “Volunteering for Butterflies Mums is great, it is lovely to support mums and families with the everyday challenges that we have all been through.
“Being a parent is tricky and I enjoy supporting families, sharing tips, and offering both practical and emotional support.
“For me I wish I had had this support when I was a new mum, just somebody to lean on and tell me it’s going to be alright. If I can make somebody else feel like they are not alone, then I feel I’m doing a good job and that is very rewarding.”
If you know a mum or grandma who’s helpful, caring and has some time to give… share this opportunity with them.
To find out more and to get involved, search ‘Butterflies Mums’ on Facebook, call
01472 326612, or visit www.centre4.org.uk/butterflies-mums.
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