National Lottery funding helps Beyond Mama expand support for mothers across Tameside

A local community organisation supporting mothers to reconnect with themselves beyond motherhood is expanding its reach after being awarded funding from The National Lottery Community Fund.

Beyond Mama CIC, founded by Stalybridge resident Becci Higgins, has already supported mothers across Tameside through its wellbeing programmes, meditation sessions and community events. Thanks to the new funding, the organisation will now be able to deliver four fully funded six-week programmes over the next 12 months, making support accessible to even more women across the borough.

The funding marks an exciting new chapter for Beyond Mama, enabling the organisation to build on the success of its existing programmes and remove financial barriers that may previously have prevented mothers from accessing support.

The funded programmes include:

· Emerging Beyond Mama – helping mothers reconnect with their identity beyond the role of “mum”.

· Empowering Beyond Mama – supporting women to better understand and respond to anxiety, overwhelm and self-doubt.

· Embracing Beyond Mama – encouraging greater self-compassion, body acceptance and emotional wellbeing.

Each six-week programme combines guided coaching, reflective exercises, practical wellbeing tools and meaningful conversations with other local mothers in a welcoming and supportive environment.

Founder Becci Higgins said:

“Beyond Mama was created because I saw how many women were quietly struggling with the emotional impact of motherhood. Through our programmes, I’ve had the privilege of seeing mothers rediscover their confidence, reconnect with themselves and realise they don’t have to navigate it all alone.

Receiving funding from The National Lottery Community Fund is an incredible milestone for Beyond Mama. It means we can build on what we’ve already achieved and reach many more mothers who may not otherwise have been able to access this support. My hope is

that every woman who joins us leaves feeling more connected, more confident and knowing she matters just as much as everyone she cares for.”

The funding comes as demand for Beyond Mama’s services continues to grow. Previous programmes have received overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants, with women reporting increased confidence, stronger connections with other mothers and a significant reduction in feelings of isolation and emotional overwhelm.

Alongside its funded programmes, Beyond Mama continues to offer monthly meditation sessions, wellbeing walks and community events designed to bring mothers together and support their wellbeing.

The next Emerging Beyond Mama programme begins in September, with further funded Empowering Beyond Mama and Embracing Beyond Mama programmes taking place throughout the year.

Places are fully funded but limited. Mothers interested in taking part can find out more and register their interest at www.beyondmama.co.uk.