THE first session of a new mother and toddler group that aims to combat loneliness amongst parents in Wrexham, will be taking place on August 22.

The free Mombies Wrexham group, which aims to keep parents engaged in community education whilst juggling their parental responsibilities, will be held at the Costa Coffee shop, at Island Green.

Ruth Marshall, the founder of Wrexham Mombies, explains how she hopes that her past and current experiences with parenthood could have a positive impact on others who find themselves in similar circumstances.

She said: “I’ve been a mum since I was 16-years-old back in 1997.

“I’ve sat in the corner at playgroups, not knowing what to say or if I would be accepted, all the time battling the isolation and loneliness that comes with parenthood.

“I’m not one to dwell on the difficulties of the past but I’m someone who believes that everything happens for a reason and if we learn and share, we have the ability to help not only ourselves but to also inspire and support others.”

The Leader:

Ms Marshall, who is currently expecting her fifth baby, starting this new group is the perfect way for her to put both her Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) and youth and community degree to use.

She added: “My oldest son is now 22 years-of-age and my daughters are aged 20, 12 and 19 months.

“I’m also a step-mum to an amazing little 4-year-old.

“I graduated with a degree in youth and community studies back in 2012 but let the skills lie dormant.

“I decided to return to university to study for my PGCE when my fourth baby was nine-months-old and still breastfeeding.

“Weeks before the end of the course, I discovered that I was pregnant again with baby number five, and so I had to put my career choices on hold whilst I concentrated on the pending arrival of my newest addition.

“Each week, the group will cover a different topic or theme to get the mums talking, with my role being to guide and initiate the discussions to ensure everyone can join in and share their knowledge and experience.

“We also plan to have guest speakers to come along to inform and inspire us while also creating community bonds with other groups, businesses and professionals.

“For our littlest members, we are starting out with a handful of toys and playmats that have been donated to us. We will sing and sign songs and read stories in both Welsh and English. Our little ones will develop social skills and have the opportunity to make friends and play - most importantly the secret to a happy child is a happy, healthy Mombie. Mombies will be the play group where no one is left sitting in the corner.”

Mombies is a non-profit organisation that is run by volunteers, who gladly accepts donations of toys, products and books that they can review.

If any individuals or organisations would like to attend one of their sessions, get in touch by email wrexhammombies@gmail.com, or via their social media accounts, Twitter @mombieswxm, and their Wrexham Mombies Facebook page.

Mombies runs every Thursday between 10am until 12pm at Costa, Island Green in Wrexham.