By implementing the project, we wanted to support mothers of young children in regaining strength, confidence and connection with themselves, their families and their communities. Our main objective was to enhance mothers’ well-being through non-formal, artistic and nature-based learning activities, where they could reflect on their own needs, reconnect with their creativity and intuition, and develop practical self-care strategies. We also aimed to strengthen parenting confidence and family relationships. Through online parenting workshops, practical guides and couple-focused programmes, we wanted to offer parents accessible knowledge about child development, respectful caregiving and relationship care, helping them feel more competent and supported in everyday family life. A further objective was to build long-term community support for mothers. By developing women’s circles and local supportive spaces, we wanted to reduce isolation and create places where women can share, learn, rest and support one another beyond the project period. Overall, the project aimed to make high-quality, flexible adult learning accessible to mothers who usually have limited opportunities to participate because of their caring responsibilities.
We applied for this project because, through GentleNest’s everyday work with families and young children, we repeatedly witnessed how isolated, exhausted and unsupported many mothers feel in the early years of motherhood. In our outdoor parent-child groups and wider community work, we saw that mothers of children under seven often carry the main responsibility for care, while their own needs, dreams, creativity, relationships and inner life are pushed aside. This need was also confirmed by our survey among more than 60 mothers in the three partner countries. 85% reported feeling overwhelmed or exhausted, 78% wished for more time for self-care, 71% felt lost or disoriented in their life path, and 61% expressed a need for supportive women’s circles. The project grew from both professional observation and personal experience. We deeply value the possibility for mothers to stay close to their children in the early years, but we also saw clearly that this must be accompanied by care for the mother herself. Mothers need safe spaces where they can rest, be heard, reconnect with their body, creativity and intuition, and feel held by community.