Andrew Leigh

The March Community Champions are mothers’ groups across Canberra for the fantastic work they do supporting new mothers and parents across Canberra.

Mothers’ groups provide a supportive and encouraging network to help mums navigate motherhood. They coordinate walks, coffee meet-ups and playgroups.

There are many benefits of mothers’ groups, including the opportunity to meet new people, learn new parenting skills and establish a support network.

One mothers’ group in Canberra is the Up & About Mothers’ Group, run by the Upside of Me. Up & About is an innovative group that combines health services with social activities to help new mums get up and about. The group socialises with a Walk & Talk session in Telopea Park, followed by a Latte & Learn session with a local speaker.

According to founder Lisa Anderson, the group is all about empowering new mothers. It centres on the values of socialising, friendship, confidence and learning.

The Up and About Mothers' Group in action, with founder Lisa Anderson (right).

Another mothers' group in Canberra is Mum's Exercise Group Australia (MEGA) that seeks to empower mothers and helps them improve their social, emotional and physical wellbeing through free and low-cost community fitness sessions. MEGA provides sponsored memberships for women experiencing hardship to make it accessible for every mother. 

Operating on a slightly different model, ACT Playgroup provides parents and carers an opportunity to come with their child to a safe and supportive environment. It is a safe learning environment for the children, and an opportunity for parents to meet others, make friends and share ideas and experiences. One parent said 'Playgroup allows me to communicate with other adults - lifesaving!'

Keen to find your local group? Just search on Facebook, or contact the Canberra Health Intake team on 5124 9977. And if you’re a father looking to join, the Canberra Health Intake team can also give you advice about which groups are open to dads.