A group of mothers from Graig-y-Rhacca have set up a class to help other mothers build confidence and prove that “they’re not just mums”.
The MAMS group has been set up by Sophie Grant, 26, Millie Wooding, 35 and Maria Leggatt, 39, who all met through the Welsh Government-backed Flying Start scheme.
The three had finished the scheme and wanted to give something back.
The group was set up in November 2018 and will start running classes across Caerphilly County Borough and beyond in June.
Ms Wooding said: “We want women to realise they’re not just mums and they are important.
“We want to promote confidence, mindfulness and goal-setting and we want to help women remember who they were before they had kids.
“It’ll be relaxed. If people don’t think it’s right for them that’s fine, but hopefully people will like what we’re offering and keep coming back.”
Ms Wooding added: “We initially joined Flying Start to get out and meet people and we really got into the course.”
Ms Grant said: “We want to prove a point. If we’ve been able to come this far then other people can too.
“We’re aiming to get people back on track and think about themselves and not just their children.
“A lot of the stuff we’ll do will be to help mums gain the confidence they need to get back to work.
“We’re open minded. We want to keep the course friendly and open and the activities will be fun. The sessions will be more like a coffee morning.”
Ms Grant added: “We hope it’ll make people feel positive and want to better themselves.
“I’m hoping this can take off for us and become a career.”
Ms Leggatt said “The sessions are for mothers of all ages and backgrounds.
“We want to show that no matter what you’ve been through in life, you can still achieve your aims.
“You forget as a mum that you’re a person too.”
Carolyn Beddis, employment mentor with Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Communities for Work Plus, said: “We wanted to work in partnership with the MAMS group.
“We wanted to work with grassroots people to get this off the ground. It’s all about empowering communities from the bottom up.
“When you’re out of work as a mum, you can lose confidence and get into a rut. These guys want to help people get out and achieve something.
“It would be amazing if Sophie, Millie and Maria can be successful with this.”
Cerian Thomas, engagement officer with Communities for Work Plus, said: “We’ve been swept away by the commitment of the MAMS group.
“Motherhood doesn’t have to be a barrier, but it can often feel like one.”
Cllr Sean Morgan, deputy leader of the council, said: “The MAMS group are clearly passionate about helping others and I’m sure their enthusiasm will help to inspire and encourage others who may be finding it difficult to take the first steps on their journey into employment.”
The sessions will be open to mothers who are part of the Flying Start scheme, which is supported by the Welsh Government.