Community Projects
Stories of Matrescence: Creative Conversations on Motherhood
Becoming a mother can be one of the most significant transitions a person goes through. And yet, for something so universal, it can feel surprisingly hard to put into words. Stories of Matrescence was created to offer mothers in West Cork a space to explore that experience together honestly, warmly and without pressure.
About the Programme
Stories of Matrescence is a free fortnightly peer support gathering for mothers, rooted in the concept of matrescence , the developmental transition into motherhood. Over eight gatherings of ninety minutes each, mothers come together for informal conversation gently guided by poetry, art, literature and music. No artistic experience is needed. Babies who are not yet on the move are warmly welcome alongside their mothers.
We know from research that peer connection is one of the most powerful supports a mother can have. Sometimes the most helpful thing is not an expert answer but another mother across the room saying, “I know exactly what you mean”. Stories of Matrescence aims to be exactly that kind of space; somewhere new friendships are formed, mothers feel heard, and the experience of becoming a mother is taken seriously.
Our Partners
The Together Collective was delighted to secure funding from the Parents Peer Support Fund to develop and deliver this programme. The Parents Peer Support Fund supports initiatives across Ireland that promote peer connection and community-based support for parents during the perinatal period, and we are proud to have been recognised through this funding as a meaningful response to a genuine need in West Cork.
Stories of Matrescence is hosted at Uillinn: West Cork Arts Centre in Skibbereen, a venue with a longstanding commitment to social inclusion, community engagement and the relationship between art and wellbeing, a space we saw as a natural and fitting home for these gatherings.
Dates & Venue
Venue: Uillinn: West Cork Arts Centre, Skibbereen
Dates: Eight fortnightly gatherings beginning Thursday 3rd September 2026 at 11am
Free to attend — babies in arms welcome alongside their mothers
Get in Touch
We would love to welcome you.
To register your place or find out more, please get in touch at: roisin@thetogethercollective.ie
In association with:
