Staying connected when the world feels heavy
We love this photo. Even when hot, sweaty and smelly, moths happily hand out much needed hugs.
There’s a lot going on in the world right now, and if you’re feeling it too, you’re not alone. We know that uncertainty, stress, and worry can easily spill into our everyday lives and into how we show up for one another. It’s human.
Here at MOTHS, our focus is local, making sure mums in our community feel supported, seen, and a little less alone when things get hard. We can’t fix the big global stuff, but we can create spaces that help us stay connected and look after our mental health together.
We know winter doesn’t help either, when it’s cold and dark, it’s easy to hunker down and hope it all passes (or to daydream about escaping to the warmth of Queensland!). But connection is the antidote to isolation, so this is when we roll up our sleeves and go into overdrive.
Here are just a few of the ways we’re doing that right now:
The MotHs Band & Choir
Some of our choir, led by Ashley (aka The Harmonator).
Like many of our “why not?” ideas, this started with a glass of wine and a loud chorus of Walk Like an Egyptian stuck on repeat in someone’s head. A call-out in our private group for mums to join a band — big hair, fabulous costumes included — turned into the unstoppable Mad Untamed Moths. We’re now rehearsing for the Parents Battle of the Bands at Sooki Lounge, and having an absolute blast.
The Runooshkas
Our new running group kicked off on Sunday mornings because sometimes you just need to get up, get out, and run up that hill (literally and figuratively). It’s less about the distance and more about being together. Sweaty, red-faced, and hugging each other anyway.
Lunch with Emma
Emma Gilmour is our guest speaker at lunch this Sunday in Selby.
Emma is a mum who’s been brave enough to share her health journey with us. She’ll be speaking at our next lunch about how giving up alcohol finally meant doctors took her concerns seriously. It’s a reminder that women’s voices deserve to be heard — and that sometimes the best place to start these conversations is around a lunch table with others who get it.
New Mums Welcome Bags
Examples of our new welcome bags.
One of the simplest and most beautiful projects we run. These bags are our way of saying to new parents in the Hills: we see you, you matter, you’re not alone. It’s a small gesture that can make a big difference in the foggy newborn days.
Craft Nights, Self-Defence Classes & More
We’re also keeping the calendar full with our monthly craft nights (spoiler: it’s less about the craft and more about the chat) and new self-defence classes on the horizon. Because feeling safe, strong and connected matters too.
We’re Not Perfect — But We’re Here
These projects aren’t about pretending the problems don’t exist. They’re about helping us cope with them together. They’re about giving mums the chance to take a breath, have a laugh, learn something new, share what’s heavy, and feel that sense of belonging we all need.
If you feel the winter blues creeping in, don’t let them win. Come along, join in — whether it’s singing off-key, running up that hill, or simply accepting a warm welcome bag when you need it most.
We’re not looking for perfect, we’re here for real connection. And we’re not going anywhere.
How you can help
Don’t miss any of our upcoming events and projects but signing up to our newsletter. If you can, please consider becoming a paid subscriber. Even though a community subscription is less than the cost of a coffee a month, it helps keep the lights on, the hub open and these events and activities going.