Today, Clare sits down with our New Beginnings Programme Coordinator Matthew Purves to discuss Life Laundry. What is it, where the inspiration comes from and the effects he sees on our parents and how they come together to support each other every week. We then switch over to six of our amazing parents to ask them about their views and experiences of Life Laundry and what it's meant for them.

"Ivy" is a mum who is a regular attendee who has moved on through New Beginnings and Life Laundry to be a pillar of support to other.

"Leigh" is a new attendee who always brings her notepad to the session and is eager to learn as she navigates her journey of discovery and growth.

"Jade" is an attendee who despite having anxiety about appearing on the Podcast took her new fledgling confidence to exceed her own expectations and pass on wisdom

"Bella" is a long-standing attendee who originally struggled with the group makeup due to trust and trauma but who, through (sometimes hard) truth, learned to embrace sessions and, in turn, be a voice of wisdom herself.

"Ethel" is a mum who reflects on how Life Laundry has helped her at home with her kids and having patience for herself and others

The returning "Janice" was featured in our Timeline Podcasts and as a regular attendee at Life Laundry reflects on how the sessions help her manage her emotions and learn to forgive herself and others for the past.

All names are pseudonyms to protect the identity of our amazing parents at the New Beginnings Foundation.

We hope that this podcast is informative, inspiring and enjoyable and we look forward to helping our parents get their truths and the reality of their pain and struggles within the Child Protection System out there.

Life Laundry: How group therapy, peer support and lived experience mix well

At New Beginnings we work holistically with families who are known to Children’s Social Care. 

We have learned that parents who find themselves in the child protection system have most likely experienced prolonged episodes of trauma, such as physical, sexual and emotional abuse, often within the home, at some point in their lives. These traumatic events can lead to issues with mental ill health as well as drug and alcohol misuse. 
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We also recognise that becoming a parent is one of life's most complex challenges. Our aim, therefore, is to work closely with parents in the child protection process so that they can develop the strength, knowledge and power to become the parents they want to be and in return, teach other parents how to do the same.

Recently we decided to do a monthly podcast to bring our stories, battles, victories and lessons to others. We find that getting truths heard is incredibly healing and empowering and so this is our space to do that.