Parenthood is a journey filled with love and joy, but it can also be an incredibly isolating experience - especially for young mums navigating the gap between parental leave and the time when their child becomes eligible for funded Early Learning and Childcare (ELC).
For many parents, this period presents a tough choice: stay home full-time with their toddler or face the financial strain of expensive childcare. But for families who cannot access affordable childcare, the impact goes beyond finances. It means being locked out of the job market, stuck in insecure employment, and struggling to maintain financial stability.
The Hidden Struggles of Young Mums
For mothers - particularly those from ethnic minority backgrounds - this reality often leads to deep social isolation. With little external support, many mums find themselves confined to their homes, cut off from social circles, and unable to engage with their cultural communities. The challenges of raising a toddler alone, combined with physical and emotional isolation, can take a heavy toll, increasing stress, anxiety, and even postnatal depression.
At Touch of Love Outreach, we believe no mother should have to face these struggles alone. That’s why we’re dedicated to breaking the cycle of isolation by providing safe, welcoming spaces where mums and their little ones can connect, play, and thrive.
How Our Mum & Baby Sessions Are Changing Lives
Our mum and baby/toddler sessions are designed to support both mental and emotional well-being. These sessions offer:
• A supportive community: A space where young mums can meet, share experiences, and build friendships with others who understand their journey.
• Engaging play for little ones: While mums connect, their toddlers participate in fun, interactive, and healthy play, helping them develop social and cognitive skills.
• Moments of relaxation: For ethnic minority mums, who often prioritize their family’s needs over their own, these sessions offer a rare opportunity to breathe, recharge, and enjoy time for themselves.
• Reducing isolation: By removing barriers to social engagement, we help mums feel empowered, supported, and better equipped to take on life’s challenges.
Creating a Community of Care
At Touch of Love, we know that parenting is not meant to be done in isolation. It takes a village to raise a child and to support a mother. Through our programs, we are building that village, ensuring that young mums have the social and emotional connections they need to thrive.
Every session is a step toward breaking the cycle - toward a future where no mum feels alone, where every child grows in a nurturing environment, and where families can build a stronger, more connected community.
Because together, we are stronger. 💖