A new initiative to support young mums has been launched in Carlisle.
The Young Mums Walk and Talk sessions are a collaboration between Cumberland Council’s family hubs and the award-winning social enterprise Happy Mums, designed to offer a safe, welcoming space for young mums to connect, share, and feel supported.
Held at the Cumberland Family Hub in Morton, the informal walk-and-talks are open to mums from their teens to early 20s — particularly those who may have felt judged or isolated because of their age.
No booking is required; participants are encouraged to simply turn up.
The first session is today, Friday August 1 from 11am to noon and walks will also be held on Friday, August 8 and Friday August 15, also both 11am to noon.
Fay Cardigan, perinatal mental health co-ordinator for Cumberland Family Hubs, said: “We know that younger mums often face unique challenges and may not always feel comfortable accessing traditional support.
“These sessions are about building trust, creating community, and making sure young mums know they’re not alone.”
The pilot aims to explore what additional support younger mums may need, with a focus on building relationships and listening to their lived experiences. While the sessions themselves are informal and supportive, feedback gathered afterwards will help shape future services.
Cumberland Family Hubs are designed to be a one-stop shop for families, offering access to a range of services under one roof.
Happy Mums is a peer-led organisation with over a decade of experience supporting maternal mental health.
With in-person and online groups, they offer judgement-free spaces for mums to share how they’re really feeling.
Lucinda Bray, managing director of Happy Mums, added: “Everyone at Happy Mums has their own story and often younger mums don’t feel as comfortable to share theirs.
“That’s why we’re so passionate about creating spaces where younger mums feel heard, understood, and empowered.”
