Kids & Family

A local yoga teacher has set up a wholesome new support group for Manc mums

Where motherhood meets sisterhood.

Danny Jones - 25th October 2024

A local yoga teacher has set up a brand-new support group for Greater Manchester mums and it’s just bloody lovely.

This super wholesome community-based initiative has been created by yoga instructor, Toni Marie, who has her own studio and is now expanding on her existing well-being work with dedicated help for mothers from all over the area.

Setting up at The Snug Coffee House in Atherton, Wigan – a wheelchair-friendly, pram-friendly space as well as breast and bottle-friendly – the support group runs each week and has already proved popular among those living nearby.

But what exactly does it involve? Well, let us enlighten you.

mums support group atherton wigan — Credit: Supplied

toni marie yoga studio — Credit: Supplied

First things first, the new group is called ‘Mums for Mums’ and most importantly is completely free for any mothers to attend every Wednesday at 12 noon.

As for what attending parents can expect from the group, they offer free support for new mums, including educational visits from local midwives and health visitors.

Experienced mums will also be on hand to offer time, support and advice; plus, it’s also just a great place to make new friends, help your baby socialise and feel a little less lonely in the early days of motherhood.

As a mum herself, Toni knows it’s the little things that go a long way too: for instance, if you’ve given birth within the last six weeks and had a C-section, a free taxi will be provided for you (within 4 miles). Just mums looking after each other, so lovely.

With barre, pilates and more on offer at her studio, many mums even find themselves hopping from the support group to baby yoga. Adorable.

After a difficult journey into motherhood herself, Toni decided to take on training to carry out pregnancy or ‘bump’ yoga, and then ‘baby and me’ yoga to try and help where she can and create a safe space (and some lovely, much-needed stretches) for both mums-to-be, first-time mothers and more.

Having seen the everyday struggles many mums face, especially in that first month or so, she knew how important this could be for many new mums.

Despite only beginning back in September, it’s already evident what a profound impact these sessions have on many parents, not to mention watching both friendships and a wider community blossom, she’s more focused than ever on developing these support group sessions.

Toni is able to put on these support sessions thanks to funding from the regional community foundation, Forever Manchester, a much-loved charity that raises money to fund and support local activity across the 10 boroughs.

Better still, all you have to do if you’re interested is just turn up. So if you’re a new mother looking for a few more people to lean on mid-week, give Mums for Mums a try.