Wellbeing
“It takes a village…” A phrase we’ve heard again and again, but in today’s society, that built-in support network isn’t guaranteed. Many of us navigate motherhood without the community we expected.
If you’re making an effort to connect with more mum friends in 2025, here’s some friendly advice from us. Finding your village may take effort, and putting yourself outside of your comfort zone can feel a little scary, but it’ll be so worth it. So where do you start?
1. Go on a Walk with Blaze Trails
Walking groups provide the perfect opportunity to meet other mums. There’s something about a good stroll that helps us chat – walking side by side can feel less intimidating than sitting face-to-face, making it easier to open up and create deep connections.
Blaze Trails is the UK’s parent-and-baby walking community, with over 80 free groups nationwide.
Volunteer Coriarna shares, “Walking with babies not only strengthens the bond between parent and child but also creates a much-needed sense of community. It can ease postnatal loneliness, boost mental health, and provide a gentle, healthy way for parents to regain their strength after childbirth.”
Learn more from their recent feature on BBC Radio 4 Woman’s Hour.
2. Coffee Mornings
If you’re feeling nervous about being in public and going to a café for the first time – whether it’s breastfeeding in public, worrying about taking up space, or how you’ll cope with a mini meltdown – don’t be. There’s power in numbers. Surrounding yourself with other mums can make the experience feel less daunting and more empowering. Remember you deserve to take up space just as much as anyone else.
Find a coffee morning to attend at your local community centres, cafés, or churches. You can find out about what’s in your area by searching on Facebook or Google, or checking local bulletins. If nothing’s available near you, why not start your own?
3. Get on the apps
If traditional meetups feel a bit daunting, finding your village through your phone could be a great way to build connections at your own pace.
Think of Peanut as Tinder but for mum mates. It connects you with like-minded mums in your area based on shared interests, stage of motherhood, and what you’re looking for. Their app also has a space to look support and ask questions to other mums who have been through it.
4. Facebook Groups
Your village doesn’t have to be in person. Online mum communities can be a lifeline, providing advice, support, and friendship during the lonely late nights. Some great groups to check out include:
- Happy Mum Happy Baby Community – we might be biased!
- Family Lowdown Tips & Ideas
- The Motherload
5. Exercise Clubs
Joining a baby-friendly exercise class is a great way to meet other mums while doing something enjoyable with your little one. Whether it’s Keep Fit, baby yoga, or mum-and-baby swimming, classes provide a natural setting for conversations and connections.
Make the most of these classes by chatting before and after sessions. Don’t be afraid to swap phone numbers or suggest meeting up outside of class – sometimes, all it takes is one friendly message to get the ball rolling.
6. Playgroups
Local playgroups can be a fantastic way to meet other mums locally. Happity is an easy tool to start searching in your local area. The key is consistency – going every week means you’ll start to recognise the regulars, and before long, you’ll find someone who feels like your kind of person.
Making friends in these settings doesn’t happen overnight, but by being friendly, open, and striking up conversations with different people, you’ll soon discover those you naturally click with.
7. Reach Out to Old Friends
Motherhood changes everything, including friendships. If you’ve lost touch with old friends, consider reaching out. Time may have passed, but chances are they’d love to reconnect – especially if they’re on a similar journey.
Reconnecting with an old friend can feel comforting, like stepping into a part of yourself that got buried under the demands of motherhood. And even if the friendship doesn’t pick up exactly where it left off, making the effort to reach out reminds you that you’re not alone – and that the people who cared about you before are likely still there.
How Do I Actually Build My Village?
It’s one thing to find potential mum friends, but how do you turn those connections into a true support network?
Put Yourself Out There
It’s easier said than done, but connection starts with showing up. Join that group, send that message, say yes to that coffee invite. Small efforts can lead to meaningful friendships.
Lead with Vulnerability
Motherhood can be messy and overwhelming, and pretending to have it all together won’t bring real connection. Be honest about the joys and the struggles of parenting – you might be surprised how many other mums feel the same way.
Ask for Help (and Accept It!)
We often think we have to do everything alone, but asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Whether it’s emotional support, parenting advice, or just someone to share a cup of tea with, your village is there to lift you up – if you let them.
Motherhood wasn’t meant to be done alone. Your village might not appear overnight, but by taking small steps to connect, you’ll build a supportive, loving network to help you through every stage.
