A Blog: Finding friendships at the Women's Work Lab and the power of connection

When people first join the Women's Work Lab, they often come looking for practical support - help building their confidence, employability skills and to take the next step towards work. And they can often feel daunted by the prospect of walking into a room, full of people they don’t yet know. But what many mums don't expect is the sense of connection they will find along the way - and in our training room. 

For lots of mums, life can be surprisingly isolating. Between school runs, childcare, household chores, and caring for others, it's easy to go days without having a meaningful conversation that's just for you. Many mums feel lost. Friendships can become harder to maintain, especially when family life, finances, or confidence make it difficult to get out and meet new people. In fact, we know that becoming a parent is one of the key factors that can lead to loneliness. 

That's why the community created through the Women's Work Lab is so important. Time and time again, mums tell us that joining the Women’s Work Lab is the best thing they’ve done. Part of the reason for that, we think, is because mums can find their community. They feel understood.

Every programme brings together women from different backgrounds, but many share similar experiences and barriers. Some have spent years out of work raising children. Others have faced challenges with their confidence, mental wellbeing, or other barriers. Walking into a room full of strangers can feel daunting, but it doesn't take long to realise you're not the only one who has felt this way.

Week by week, we see that people who started out as strangers, often become a strong support network for each other. It’s amazing to watch.

Through shared experiences, and honest conversations, mums get to know each other in a way which goes beyond small talk. They celebrate each other's successes and build friendships based on understanding.

One of the things we hear most often from mums on our programmes is that they finally feel heard.

That’s why, at the Women’s Work Lab, we love watching the friendships and connections which form amongst mums on our programmes. We’re proud to support Loneliness Awareness Week. We hope all mums on our programme can open up and find the connections they need. They’ll come when you’re least expecting it.

If you’re experiencing loneliness, the https://www.marmaladetrust.org/ is a great place to look. Please know you’re not alone - we should all talk about loneliness.