Maggie with Caroline Lucas
Mothers Uncovered is a creative, practical and emotional support network for mothers. It started in 2008.
The idea behind the project is twofold. Firstly, to give mothers the chance to talk openly and honestly about their feelings and experiences, without fear of judgement. There are many Mother and Baby groups, but these are often informal drop-ins, not suitable for discussing issues that might be difficult or painful. There are also post-natal depression groups, but we wanted to take away the stigma of ‘not coping’; for the issues to be re-addressed as challenges to be shared.
Secondly, we want to give mothers the chance to celebrate and mark this point in their lives. It is very easy for a new mother to feel sidelined by the focus that is naturally placed on the baby and to have difficulty expressing her feelings. By offering a platform for experiences, our project gives mothers a unique opportunity for self-validation. The act of creating a life often awakens a creative side in women that is hugely empowering for them to document.
Plenty is written and said about motherhood, but not always by the mothers themselves. It is more likely that their thoughts are recorded retrospectively, if at all.
All our activities are led by mothers whose creativity and stories generate our projects. Everyone who works on the projects are themselves, mothers. The sessions are facilitated by Maggie Gordon-Walker.
Both ‘The Naked Truth’ and ‘Your Stories’ have been recorded. We welcome enquiries from mothers and mothers-to-be. We also create bespoke performances for health professionals' events.
Check out ‘Mothers Uncovered’ on Facebook or http://mothersuncovered.blogspot.com
In 2008 we ran the initial workshops in three different children’s centres. We collaborated with local artists Cecile Chevalier and Mim King to document the sessions through photography and film. These were subsequently exhibited, together with the mothers’ writings and photography, at the main children’s centres in Brighton.
In 2009 we interviewed four of the original participants about their stories and experiences of motherhood. The material was crafted into a play of interlinking monologues ‘The Naked Truth’ that was performed in the Brighton Fringe 2009.
'Achieves a high degree of naturalism and believability, managing to be both touching and funny. Perfectly pitched at its target audience, as attested by the laughter of recognition and various whispers of "I know exactly what she means".' Three Weeks review
In 2010 we took part in The Adult Learning Festival in Brighton. We ran writing workshops in collaboration with Christine Hollywood (Wordwell Workshops). The material generated was turned into a documentary style performance ‘Your Stories’.
'Amazing! All mothers should have the opportunity to hear these wonderfully honest, funny and moving voices. Thank you.' Caroline Lucas, MP.
We also participated in MOCO (Mass Observation Communities Online), a national archive based at The University of Sussex, that has documented people’s lives for sixty years.
We created bespoke performances for the Celebrating Breastfeeding Conference and Health Visitors Development Day.
Comments from the exhibitions/performances
'A valuable and feel-good scheme that should be sustained and spread across the city.' - Councillor Bill Randall
'Brilliant show, I wish we could share this with all student midwives, health visitors etc. As a mother of grown-up children, I still remember vividly those feelings.' Lynda Watson, Children & Young People's Trust
'Emotional, moving and so well performed. I was holding back the tears and the laughter.'
'Amazing writing and performance, especially when the material is derived from 'ordinary' mums'.
'Seeing the end result was better than expected. I feel privileged to have been a part of Mothers Uncovered.'
Comments from the participants' feedback forms
'I would recommend the project to any new mum. It's learning, therapy, bonding and friendship all in one. The sense of self-worth the sessions provide is priceless - it’s something that will have an enduring impact. In four short sessions, Mothers Uncovered does more for the psychological well-being of mums than the health profession does throughout pregnancy and beyond.'
'An experience that unites mothers, strengthens bonds with their families and starts mini-revolutions. Truly worthwhile.'
'There isn't enough support for new mums. Just felt vital to take stock of my experiences and understand what other mothers are going through - fantastic not to feel so alone in this.'
'I loved this project - I wish it went on for longer.'
Current and Future Plans
We continue to run creative discussion groups at children’s centres for new mothers. We interview and gather writings/photography from all participants.
We are developing a photography project where children take photographs of their parents. The results will be exhibited.
We aim to bring out a book of mothers’ experiences and stories to act as a creative support manual for new mothers.