How We Do It

At Mums Hub, we take a practical, personalised, and systems-focused approach to supporting mothers back into work.

We work at three levels: individual, community, and structural to create real, lasting change.

Individual Pathways Back to Work

→ Every mum we work with is supported to create an individual employment plan, shaped around her skills, experience, and family reality

→ We take time to understand each person’s situation and identify the most relevant next steps

→ This may include:

• signposting to relevant supports, services, or training
• identifying local job opportunities
• or supporting a return to work when ready

→ Where a mum is job-ready, we actively support outreach and connection to potential employers

Upskilling & Practical Supports

→ We support mums to rebuild confidence and develop skills through targeted, accessible opportunities

→ This includes:

• CV workshops
• confidence-building programmes
• guidance on returning to work

→ We also connect mums to education and training pathways that fit within real-life schedules, particularly school hours

→ To date, we have supported over 20 mums into upskilling opportunities, helping them take meaningful steps forward

Working with Employers

→ We actively engage with employers to explore flexible, family-friendly job opportunities

→ This includes:

• encouraging school-hour roles
• supporting part-time or pilot positions that work for parents
• helping employers rethink traditional working structures

→ Our goal is to show that flexibility is not a limitation because we know that fexibility is a strength for both businesses and families

Community & Connection

→ Mums Hub creates a supportive community where mothers can connect, share experiences, and support one another

→ We recognise that returning to work is not just practical but also emotional and social

→ By building confidence and connection, we help mums move forward in a way that feels sustainable and supported

→ As part of this, we have developed a NEIC supports booklet, bringing together a wide range of local services and supports for families

→ This resource will be made available through our website, helping mums easily access the right support at the right time

Policy & Advocacy

→ Alongside direct support, we work to address the structural barriers that prevent mothers from accessing fair employment

→ We engage with policymakers and contribute to national and European discussions, including:

• submissions to the Department of Social Protection
• input into the European Child Guarantee
• direct engagement with TDs and councillors

→ Through our newsletter and public commentary, we explore solutions around care, work, and economic security for mothers in Ireland

→ We are currently developing a policy campaign to challenge the motherhood penalty and push for real, actionable change, not just discussion

Our Approach

→ We do not believe in one-size-fits-all solutions

→ We combine:

• individual support
• community building
• and system-level change

→ Because meaningful progress requires all three

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