Group of mothers creating a safe space to sing and share

A new singing group wants to provide a chorus of support for local mothers.

Singing Mamas group is an a capella-style singalong in Wellard that aims to help mothers seeking community and song.

Inspired by the UK’s Singing Mamas Organisation, vocal coach Nicole George started the group this year for women to share their feelings and make joyful noise.

“It’s completely true that it takes a village to raise a child but sometimes you don’t have one,” participant Delisa Earl said.

“This space feels like a family community I can come to for support and truly feel supported.”

The small group is sponsored by the City of Kwinana and gathers every Wednesday morning at John Wellard Community Centre.

Ms George said being a mother and discussing issues surrounding motherhood was innately vulnerable, much like singing for others was.

She also believes group singing can help regulate the nervous system and reduce symptoms of post-natal depression.

“Being a mother can be so taxing,” Ms George said.

“You need to have a way to feed your soul so you can go back to your children and be the kind and loving and relaxed figure you don’t always feel like being.”

Local mum Aprilya Fischer said it could be difficult to find a sense of community as a mother.

“Here we can connect as mothers, as women, as people. It really is healing,” she said.

Ms George said it was important for women to have a space to be themselves, although children were welcome at their 90-minute sessions.

The group gets together from 10.30am to noon each Wednesday, singing music with positive affirmations and uplifting lyrics.

Mayor Peter Feasey said the City of Kwinana saw great value in providing support for Singing Mamas.

“As an accredited program in England supported by their medical association, we wanted mums in the area to feel supported, build friendships and provide great connections,” he said.

“The city is thrilled to support the start-up program and loves to hear its success thus far.”