News & FAQs

The programme is for unemployed mothers across London who carry most of the parenting load and are ready to move forward.

In London. You can live in any London borough including the City of London.

Yes. The programme is for mothers who are currently unemployed and on a low household income. If you receive Universal Credit or another means-tested benefit you meet our income criteria. You also need to be available for every session. You don’t need to send any proof.

Yes. Being pregnant or on maternity leave is fine.

Yes. English doesn’t need to be your first language. You will need a good grasp of it to take part in the workshops, group discussions and coaching.

The programme asks for your time, energy and focus. You’ll need to take an active part and make time for every session. Be open to reflecting, learning and working on yourself.

Please think about whether you feel ready to make this commitment right now and only register if you do.

We read every registration and look at four things: your circumstances, the barriers you face, your goals and whether you are ready to take part. We review everyone together after 5 January so it’s fair. You’ll hear by 8 January.

If you’re an unemployed mother in London just register. We look at your whole situation.

Please talk to us before deciding. Many of the mothers we work with have been through difficult times. The programme isn’t an emergency service though. It works best when you have enough stability to give it your time and energy.

If you need urgent help now please contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247 (free, 24 hours), Shelter on 0808 800 4444 or Samaritans on 116 123. In an emergency call 999.

Our resources library also has support you can use in the meantime. You’re always welcome to come back when things feel steadier.

No. It is a work-readiness programme. We help you feel ready for work, education/training or a business of your own. While we don’t place you directly into a job, our members’ area connects you with trusted job boards, useful resources and employment support to help you take your next steps.

Yes, completely free. There are no fees or hidden costs.

Five fortnightly workshops over 10 weeks and four 1:1 coaching sessions. You also get CV support, financial skills and business planning.

It asks something of you too. That means a 2-hour workshop every other Tuesday, homework between sessions and being willing to do the inner work that builds lasting confidence.

Tuesday 26 January 2027. Workshops run fortnightly on Tuesdays from 10am to 12noon. Register by 5 January.

Online on Zoom so you can join from home.

You don’t need to be good with technology. We’ll send you the link before each session.

You’ll have four 1:1 life coaching sessions with certified life coaches. They happen from the comfort of your own home and are completely confidential. You book them at times that suit you and your coach. It’s a space to talk openly about what stands between you and work and to plan your next steps.

To get the most from each session think beforehand about what you’d like to focus on. Come ready to be open and honest.

We’re a mothers-led charity. Expert speakers lead the workshops and volunteer coaches supported by the Optimus coaching academy give the coaching. Many of them are mothers themselves.

About 4 hours a fortnight. That’s the 2-hour workshop plus around 2 hours of homework to put what you learn into practice. Your four 1:1 coaching sessions are booked at times that suit you.

Yes. Full attendance is expected for the programme to work for you. Spaces are limited and other mothers are waiting for support too. Please only register if you can fully commit to every session.

A phone, tablet or laptop with an internet connection. You also need a quiet space where you can focus for the 2 hours.

Yes. Everyone keeps their camera on so we can see who is there. It keeps the group safe and confidential. You can blur or change your background.

Yes. You’ll take part in breakout rooms where you meet other mothers and talk in smaller groups.

Only the mothers on the programme and our team.

We can’t give benefits advice. We wouldn’t expect free training and coaching to affect your benefits. If you start work or earn more your benefits may change.

Turn2us or Citizens Advice can check for you.

We can’t provide childcare. Workshops run on Tuesday mornings from 10am to 12noon during school and nursery hours. You join from home on Zoom.

It’s fine if your children are in the background. If there’s noise please mute yourself out of consideration for everyone else.

Yes. A safe, supportive and non-judgemental space is at the heart of the programme. You’ll be part of a community of mothers who may be facing similar challenges. You can share experiences and feel supported by others who understand.

We ask everyone to respect each other’s privacy and keep personal stories shared in the group confidential.

If we’re ever worried about someone’s safety we may need to act. We’ll always talk to you first and ask for your permission wherever we can.

We only collect and use the information we need to run the programme, keep in touch, give you support and coaching and understand the difference we make. We may also use anonymised information for evaluation, reporting and funding.

Your information is handled securely and in line with our privacy policy. We will not share anything that identifies you outside MSP unless you give permission or there is a legal or safeguarding reason.

The programme ends with a celebration social where you receive your certificate and meet the other mothers and everyone at Mothers’ Springboard. It’s a great chance to network and celebrate together.

You then stay part of an ongoing community of mothers with continued workshops, peer support and the chance to become an Ambassador.

Ambassadors work with the programme as mentors, speak at future workshops and help within the charity.

Fill in our registration form by 5 January 2027. It only takes a few minutes.

Yes. Text us on 07542 934949 or email hello@mothers-springboard.co.uk. We’ll call you and help you fill it in.

After registration closes on 5 January we review everyone together. You’ll hear the outcome by 8 January.

If you have a place you join our 1-hour introduction session on Zoom on 19 January. Everyone must attend. The first workshop is on 26 January.

If we have more suitable registrations than places we’ll add you to our waiting list.

Yes. Your answers will only be seen by our team and used to assess your application and understand how best to support you.

We would only share information if the law requires it or if we were worried about someone’s safety. Wherever we can we would talk to you first. You can read more in our privacy policy.

Yes. Anyone can refer a mother. That could be a friend, sister or neighbour or someone you support through your work. If you’ve loved the programme yourself tell a friend about it.

Use our referral form and please check first that she’s happy for us to contact her. We’ll contact her and send her the registration link.