It takes a village to raise a child. But where have our villages gone?
Many of us live in communities where we barely know our neighbours. We travel away for work, families live further apart, and the opportunities to come together, share experiences and support one another aren't always there.
Here in the Forest of Dean, we're surrounded by beautiful villages, but that doesn't necessarily mean we have the close-knit communities that previous generations might have known.
At Wildlings, bringing people together has always been at the heart of what we do.
Through our holiday clubs, kindergarten, family gatherings and community activities, we've seen how much happens when people have somewhere welcoming to come together. Children make friendships, parents begin talking, people share skills, and gradually those connections grow into something much more meaningful.
Now we're hoping to build on that experience with a new project.
Introducing It Takes a Village
We're applying for funding to bring free women's wellbeing gatherings into village halls across the Forest of Dean.
Our focus is particularly on pregnant women and new mothers, but we want the whole village of women around them to be involved too.
Mothers, grandmothers, sisters, friends, neighbours and women who simply have some time and care to share.
Because women shouldn't have to wait until their babies are born to begin building their village.
We imagine warm, welcoming evenings with nourishing food, creative activities, gentle movement, relaxation and women's talking circles.
A chance to slow down, feel nurtured, share experiences and, perhaps most importantly, meet other women who live just around the corner.
No expectations, no pressure to share anything, and no need to be an expert in anything.
Just women coming together.
Growing Something That Lasts
Our hope goes beyond organising a series of lovely evenings.
We would also like to offer free training and ongoing support to local women who feel inspired to help bring others together.
Perhaps you're a grandmother whose children have grown, a mother who remembers how isolating those early months could be, or simply someone who cares about the wellbeing of women in your community.
We hope to support women to gain the confidence and skills to organise their own local circles, so that these connections can continue growing long after the funded programme ends.
We'd Love Your Thoughts
We're still developing our plans, and before we submit our funding application, we would love to hear from the women and families who make up our communities.
What would help you feel more connected locally?
Would you enjoy coming along to a women's wellbeing gathering?
What would make you feel welcome, and what might make it difficult for you to attend?
Would you be interested in volunteering or helping to bring women together in your own village?
We've created a short survey, and your answers will help shape the project and strengthen our funding application.
Please share it with other women across the Forest of Dean too.
Whether you're pregnant, a new mother, a grandmother or simply someone who believes in the power of community, we'd love to hear from you.