Marian Gureng and Mary Vergara, both Filipino nurse managers in London, have established a vibrant community for mothers facing the challenges of parenting away from home. Their initiative, The Mum Club, aims to provide support and connection among mothers in Barnet.
The two women recognized the need for a supportive network as they navigated their own motherhood journeys. "We learned the importance of community, especially for mothers navigating parenthood away from family support," said Marian.
Creating Connections Through The Mum Club
Founded in early 2024, The Mum Club hosts various events including brunches, fitness sessions, and coffee meetups, allowing mothers to share experiences and build friendships. Topics discussed range from balancing careers and family life to addressing postpartum challenges.
Both Marian and Mary, who moved to the UK in 2012 and 2016 respectively, have used their nursing backgrounds to foster a diverse community that includes mothers from different cultural backgrounds.
We all have the same problems. We can just let our barriers down and talk about motherhood.
Marian Gureng
Their efforts have not gone unnoticed; they received a Highly Commended recognition in the Barnet Council's InspirationALL Awards for their contributions to sports and well-being.
Marian and Mary also had the opportunity to meet with Philippine Ambassador to the UK, Teodoro Locsin Jr., discussing further support for Filipino communities.
We’re not just representing Filipino women; we’re representing Filipino mothers, and Filipinos everywhere.
Mary Vergara
The Mum Club exemplifies the Filipino spirit of hospitality and support, showcasing the power of community in overcoming the struggles of motherhood.
Through their initiative, they hope to inspire others to embrace their identities and celebrate their achievements as mothers and women.