The Parent Rooms (formerly We Are PANGS) is a thriving community hub that helps parents access the support and friendship they need. Michelle founded The Parent Rooms after struggling with postnatal depression. She'd felt alone and isolated during those early years: there were no specialist services or support groups available to her in Northern Ireland.
Through The Parent Rooms' wellbeing workshops – including art therapy courses, peer support groups, meditation classes and befriending – parents (including some fathers and adopters) build connection with one another and the wider community.
The Parent Rooms connects 700 women through their online Facebook group in addition to the 50 they support via face-to-face and video calls. Through the strong links created across communities, the hub also breaks down misconceptions around people of other faiths. Everyone on the board has lived experience of parental isolation.
#Fridayfeedback- We love to hear your feedback. Please do send any feedback via direct message to pangs so we can continue to share and raise awareness. Thank you. #NI #wearepangs #parenting #PMH #PND #PPA #birthtrauma #mum #dad pic.twitter.com/fevzSrzylO
— We Are Pangs (@theparentrooms) February 5, 2021
Michelle applied to be a Multiplier because she wanted to learn and grow as a leader, collaborate with others, and belong to a network of fellow founders.
So excited to be part of The Multiplier programme and to be able to find new ways of supporting parents and connecting with each other @TheCaresFamily @UnLtd https://t.co/57BwuMMKHg
— We Are Pangs (@theparentrooms) February 8, 2021
Michelle says her project isn’t there to fix parents, but to walk alongside them. It’s this unwavering belief in togetherness, the inclusive space she’s created and her tireless pursuit of systemic change, that makes her the ideal Multiplier.