A new weekly walking group is helping mothers across the Eastern Bay find connection, support and a reason to get out of the house.

Held at Home founder Erica Harvey launched the Friday morning walks last month after recognising how isolating motherhood can sometimes feel and the importance of having a supportive village around you.

“Motherhood was never meant to be done alone, but many mums don’t have the village that previous generations once had.

“Modern motherhood is busy, and sometimes you just need a reason to get out of the house, have a conversation with another adult and spend time with people who understand what this stage of life is really like.”

Based in Edgecumbe, the group meets every Friday at 10am at Manna Cafe before heading out for a relaxed walk along the riverbank.

Harvey said the idea grew from her own experience as a mother.

“One in four mums have got postnatal depression or postnatal anxiety, but that doesn’t mean the other three out of four are fine,” she said.

Harvey said motherhood can be challenging in many different ways, even for women who may not be experiencing a mental health condition.

“I felt like we’re not doing enough to support those mums.”

The group has already attracted around 10 mothers each week. The walks are designed to be informal and flexible, allowing mothers to walk at their own pace, stop to feed babies, manage toddlers and simply enjoy being around others who understand the demands of parenting.

After the walk, participants return to the cafe for coffee, food and conversation while children play.

Harvey said one of the most rewarding parts had been hearing from women who might otherwise have remained isolated.

“One mum said it was the first time she’d been out of the house for a social thing in months after a really dark time,” she said.

“That’s the type of mum that I want to be giving an opportunity to come out.”

Other women have told her it was the first mothers’ group they had ever attended.

Harvey said she wanted the group to focus on mothers rather than solely on their children.

“There are heaps of awesome groups for babies, but there’s not really anything that’s for mums,” she said.

“I wanted something that was for the mums, and walking and fresh air always makes me feel good.”

She has also created a private online group linked to the Held at Home Facebook page, allowing participants to stay connected between walks.

Harvey said simple moments of mothers helping one another had already shown the value of building community.

“Watching mums offer to hold a baby while another mum eats her food or asking someone to watch their toddler while they duck away for a minute, has been really cool,” she said.

Looking ahead, Harvey hopes to expand the initiative and eventually provide additional support for mothers in their homes, while continuing to grow the walking community.

Held at Home walks are free and open to all mothers, whether they have babies, toddlers or school-aged children.

Those interested can find Held at Home on Facebook or contact Erica Harvey at [email protected]