Eighteen months ago, a woman set up a support system that now helps more than seventy mothers in the area.
Hollie Owen, who is twenty-seven, moved from Pontardawe to Bargoed and suffered anxiety after giving birth to her son Leo, finding herself cut off from others in her new surroundings.
She later explained that she understood the loneliness that can accompany parenthood, having experienced it herself. She noted that originating from Pontardawe meant that when she relocated and subsequently had her child, she did not know anyone aside from her partner, his acquaintances and his relatives.
Her circumstances transformed once she began building relationships with fellow mothers.
She described how they talk about their difficulties freely and receive nothing but support without any judgment. She said this showed her just how vital having a support network truly is. She has developed friendships with other mothers that she expects to last a lifetime, women she can depend on.
She expressed her sincere belief that raising a young child does not make someone incapable, nor do mental health struggles. She stated that parents possess considerable abilities and that sometimes all that matters is having suitable assistance around them.
When she started the group in October 2024, Ms Owen wanted to create a setting where mothers could feel comfortable and where chances would emerge for parents to interact.
One member of the group, Megan Capelin, said the thing she valued most was the ability to share anything within the group, be it a grievance, advice, or simply an unconnected thought, and there would always be someone who shared that viewpoint. She noted that even during disagreements, exchanges remained respectful.
Originally intended solely for mothers in the Caerphilly Borough, the initiative subsequently broadened to encompass mothers from Pontypridd, Aberdare and Cardiff.
Since 2024, it has grown into a community enabling daily conversations between mothers and the formation of fresh friendships.
The WhatsApp collective, named Social Mama’s – Caerphilly, currently has seventy-two members.
Ms Owen observed that mothers joining had told her they would never have attended a baby group alone before becoming part of this community. They had met up with other new mums who had recently joined after making contact through the group, which she considered spoke for itself and something giving her great pride.
Mothers in the region wanting to participate can get in touch with Hollie Angeline Owen through Facebook to receive the WhatsApp group link.