Skip to content

'Programme for mums helped me find my passion'

Contributed Kim Trotter and Emma Parson stand side by side smiling at the camera. Ms Trotter has shoulder length brown hair and is wearing a leopard print coat. Ms Parson has long brown hair and is holding a certificate. Contributed
Kim Trotter (left) and her More Than Mum programme helped Emma Parson (right) find her life passion

A mum said she had found her life passion after graduating from a programme aimed at building young mothers' confidence and skills.

Emma Parson was one of six women who graduated from the More Than Mum programme run by Future Female Society (FFS) in Ipswich, Suffolk.

FFS was set up in 2017 by Kim Trotter who said the programme for mums was the "flagship" offering.

Ms Parson said it had helped her "learn a lot" about herself.

Contributed Ms Trotter is pictured standing in front of a seated crowd giving a talk. Behind her is a table with mugs and saucers as well as two information boards about the programme and Future Female Society.Contributed
Ms Trotter has ran several More Than Mum programmes over the years

Ms Parson came across the programme due to being friends with Ms Trotter's nieces.

She said she had attended a coffee morning and had remained involved in FFS ever since, before taking part in the More Than Mum programme 10 weeks ago.

"I really learned a lot about myself," she explained. "I lost a lot of confidence when I had my son, he's now eight.

"I've been out of work for probably about four years, I got made redundant, and ever since then I've been a stay-at-home mum.

"I completely lost my confidence, didn't know what I wanted to do with my life, so coming on the programme it has really helped me see what other people see in me.

"I've actually made the decision to go into event planning so it has helped me find my passion and what I want to do."

During the FFS programme, Ms Parson signed up for a course in event planning and management and two weeks ago gained a Level One accreditation with a 100% pass mark.

She is now looking for work opportunities.

Contributed Jwan Mustafa and Emma Parson stand side by side smiling at the camera. Ms Mustafa wears a black head scarf while Ms Parson is wearing a black top and a brown scarf around her neck.Contributed
Jwan Mustafa (left) said the programme had helped her find new friends in the area

Jwan Mustafa another mum on the programme found the project on Facebook and joined with a friend.

"It was a really good experience - we learned a lot from each other and for me especially to get more into the society," she said.

"We have now lots of friends, we share our experience."

Ms Mustafa said she planned to continue learning English as well as getting some qualifications and work.

Angelle Joseph/BBC A sign that reads: "More Than Mum." The words are written on a blue and white background.Angelle Joseph/BBC
Ms Trotter said it was hard to find funding for her programme

The six women involved in the More Than Mum programme graduated at an event held at Christchurch Mansion in Ipswich on Tuesday.

Ms Trotter explained the programme was about taking mothers on a journey and helping them find their identities again.

"I always tap my chest when I talk about More Than Mum because it's about finding yourself, finding your identity, and trying to work out what are your next steps," she said.

"They are part of a bigger picture and when we see that happening, which we do on every single course, it just makes me cry normally. I just love it."

Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.

More on this story
Related internet links