Young Mums Groups
Supporting Young Mums Across the Highlands
Creating stronger starts for families across the Highlands.
“I didn’t know anyone my age with a baby and I felt like people were judging me.”
Becoming a mum can feel lonely at any age, but when you’re under 25, it can feel even harder. It’s not always easy to walk into a group where no one feels like you. Confidence can dip and isolation can grow.
Bright Futures is a peer support project for young mums under 25 and their babies, with weekly groups currently running in Inverness and Alness. The project provides safe, welcoming spaces
where young mothers can connect and make friends, build confidence, and access support.
Our groups are facilitated by people who understand young motherhood in the Highlands. We know about rural isolation, limited transport, lack of services, and the stigma young mums face.
We’ve seen it, lived it, or worked alongside it.
Why it matters
Early motherhood is a pivotal moment. With the right support, it can be a time of growth, confidence and opportunity. Without it, isolation can deepen and challenges can escalate.
We want to shift that trajectory, supporting young mums to feel more confident, connected, and able to build positive futures for themselves and their children. When a young mum feels supported, everything changes for both her and for her baby.
Community-Led Approach
Bright Futures is intentionally different from traditional services. Rather than delivering structured parenting programmes, the project creates peer-led environments where young mums learn from one another, share experiences, and develop supportive relationships. Sessions are shaped by the group itself and may include creative activities, learning opportunities and courses, baby play, and informal discussions. This flexibility ensures the project remains responsive, relevant and empowering, supporting both mum and child in everyday life.
Support
Alongside peer connection, Bright Futures offers consistent, non-judgemental support from experienced facilitators. The project recognises that young mums may be navigating complex challenges. From financial pressure and food insecurity to housing, education, and mental wellbeing. Each session includes a nutritious meal, and participants are supported to access wider services where needed. All mums can also access Halo’s free clothing, equipment, and toiletries services. By addressing both practical needs and emotional wellbeing,we take a holistic approach to early intervention.
How to access support
You need to be referred to join our groups. Referrals can be made by:
- Midwives – If you’re currently pregnant or recently gave birth
- Family Nurses – If you’re working with the Family Nurse Partnership
- Health Visitors – Your health visitor can refer you
- Social Work – Children and families social work teams
- Women’s Aid – If you’re receiving domestic abuse support
- Other Support Agencies – Any professional support service working with you
If you’re interested in joining, speak to the professional currently supporting you. They
can make a referral on your behalf. If you’re not currently working with any support
services but think Bright Futures could help you, get in touch with us and we’ll discuss
the best way to connect you with appropriate support.
Reports
| Title | Date | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Bright Futures Impact Report 2025 | 30/06/2026 | Download |
"Before Bright Futures, I felt completely alone. Now I have friends who understand what I'm going through, and I actually look forward to Wednesdays. It's the highlight of my week."
Bright Futures participant
"The group gave me my confidence back. I didn't think I was a good mum, but seeing other mums struggling with the same things made me realise I'm doing okay."
Bright Futures participant
"My wee one has come on so much since we started. She loves the other babies and the sensory activities. And I've learned so much just by watching and chatting with the other mums."