You don’t have to navigate this alone

Becoming a mother without your own mother by your side is a journey like no other. Whether you’ve lost your mother recently or years ago, the challenges of motherhood can feel overwhelming and isolating when you lack that foundational support.

At The Motherless Mothers we are aware of the particular struggles you go through, and we're here to give you a place where people who truly understand you can see you, hear you, and support you.

Our free drop-in support calls offer:

• A Safe Space: Share your thoughts, emotions, and stories in a non-judgmental, confidential environment.

• Connection: Join a compassionate group of motherless mothers who understand the complexities of your experience.

• Support & Encouragement: Receive guidance and validation from others walking a similar path.

• No matter where you are in your journey, you don’t have to do this alone.

Upcoming drop-in support calls for all types of mother loss

For women affected by maternal estrangement

In response to participant feedback, we now hold two different spaces for women navigating estrangement and distance from their mothers, both facilitated by Helen Catterall, a (MBACP) qualified Person-Centred Counsellor with a background in adult education and training. You can read more about Helen below.

What we offer

We understand everyone is at a different stage in their journey, which is why we alternate on a bi-monthly basis between:

• A professionally facilitated workshop for those navigating estrangement from a mother. This session offers a blend between learning and personal and small group reflection

• A peer-to-peer drop-in to meet others and share your thoughts, emotions and stories through small-group conversations and discussions

Note

You can attend one or both of our different sessions. There are no restrictions or rules on this. However, the workshop’s format is repeated, so if you are a returning attendee, please be aware that the content and structure of the workshop will be the same.

Estrangement drop-in

Our bi-monthly drop-in offers a safe space, connection, support, and encouragement from other women who get it and are walking similar paths to you.

This drop-in is also facilitated by Helen, but the focus is much more on peer support, small-group discussions, and meeting others who understand.

The drop-in will be held on the last Wednesday of every other month from 7-8pm UK time

The next drop-in will take place on Wednesday 29th October; Monday 29th December

Exploring Estrangement: Navigating Loss, Boundaries and Self-Compassion workshop

For new and returning participants, this reflective and professionally facilitated workshop offers a gentle space for those navigating estrangement from a mother, whether chosen, imposed or the result of long-standing disconnection. Together, we will learn about and explore:

• Estrangement as a form of ambiguous loss and disenfranchised grief

• The emotional landscape of estrangement: guilt, anger, relief, sadness and beyond

• Boundaries as acts of self-care and ways to soften the inner critic

• Tools for grounding, journaling and navigating emotional triggers.

There is no pressure to speak or share personal stories. Participants will be offered choices to reflect privately or connect in optional low-pressure ways (chat box, journaling, paired discussion). 

The workshop will be held on the last Wednesday of every other month from 6-8pm UK time

The next workshop will take place on Wednesday 24th September; Wednesday 26th November

A minimum of two sign-ups are required to run our workshops and the drop-ins

About Helen

Helen Catterall is a (MBACP) qualified Person-Centred Counsellor with a background in adult education and training. She works with clients navigating complex family relationships, grief and trauma, and is passionate about creating safe spaces for people whose experiences are often unseen or misunderstood. Helen brings warmth, clarity and deep respect to her facilitation, offering reflective workshops that support emotional honesty and self-compassion.