Addressing isolation through coffee and connection in Hampton Park 

A social action initiative unfolding in the neighbourhood of Hampton Park is responding to the needs of mothers, fostering connections and boosting confidence while also inspiring women to contribute to a stronger and more vibrant community. 

The initiative first came about after one junior youth animator realised that many mothers in the neighbourhood were experiencing feelings of isolation. And so the decision was made to organise a small dinner, followed by regular coffee catch-ups where friendships could be strengthened. 

According to the Hampton Park group, the key element connecting the mothers was love. “They would come together to enjoy meaningful and elevated conversations on themes of some junior youth books that were close to their hearts and they could relate to,” they say. “They did simple art activities together, chatted and enjoyed each other’s company. These conversations heightened all of our consciousness about our oneness and interconnectedness: we realised we are all the same, battling the same challenge and dealing with the same life struggles.”

While the catch-ups were temporarily interrupted during the Covid pandemic, the mothers continued to stay in touch over Zoom, read together and reflected. Once the restrictions eased, the mothers started studying the books of the Ruhi institute and some would meet at the neighbourhood house or in a cafe to connect and socialise. Those who were more familiar with the institute used the coffee catch-ups to strengthen the bonds of love and trust between the mothers. “As such, the mothers’ friendship grew and became the magnet keeping the women wanting to come together and spend time together. Sometimes they would meet up at casual dinners at one of the neighbourhood homes, at picnics, or at their own homes.” 

The space became an environment where women felt comfortable raising their concerns about their children and their own health, with a major concern being that many mothers felt lonely and in need of support. “They needed an organised space to come together, make connections with other mothers, share their challenges and learn from each other.  With this reality in mind, the formation of a mothers’ group was urgent.” 

Consulting with the mothers, and in an effort to bolster the group, a weekly Zumba session was organised with a professional trainer who was one of the neighbourhood mothers. “The sessions were held in the mornings to allow mothers who were home to attend.  This attracted some mothers who came on a regular basis to experience a healthy fun activity as well as make connections.” 

The Zumba soon became a fitness class, which then became a coffee and social gathering at a local cafe, which then turned into a brunch session at the neighbourhood house. “This would work out better because we did not need to book a table and would give an opportunity to the youth to serve mothers of the neighbourhood.” 

The brunch sessions, dubbed Mothers’ Social Coffee, have been held since mid 2023. “Ladies loved the idea of being served by polite, caring and kind youth.  This left a good impression about the youth who are involved in the Institute process.” Attendance continues to increase, with participants inviting their friends along and the space bringing the mothers closer together.   

Held once a month, more than 30 mothers are connected to the space and about 15 attend regularly. The brunches feature art activities, games hosted by youth, and conversations around the concerns and needs of the mothers such as the importance of education, the need to feel a sense of belonging, and mental and physical health. Youth volunteer their time to help serve tea, coffee and food. 

“Usually when a mother arrives for the first time, she would be shy and not sure how to carry herself.  But soon, after watching the caring environment and sincere love by the youth and those mothers involved in the institute program, they too become friendly and embrace other ladies, a culture that they learn at this mothers’ group.” 

The brunches have also acted as a means of welcoming more families into Hampton Park’s community-building process, with mothers who attend the sessions sending their children to children’s classes and junior youth groups. 

Some of the mothers have also been inspired by the texts their children study in children’s classes and through the junior youth groups and have formed their own weekly mothers’ study group, studying texts from the Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment Program. “This has helped them to foster a love for learning and a desire to bring more mothers into the group. The mothers in this study group are now actively planning and organising the mothers’ social coffee.” 

The Hampton Park team has learned that in a society where it is often the norm to try and navigate life’s challenges on one’s own, a community initiative such as the brunch can bring people together to provide support, encouragement and much-needed connection.

“This gathering is a simple example of a community initiative that responds to the needs of mothers, organised by mothers themselves.” 

“The group has evolved in a dynamic way based on the needs of the mothers and support of the mothers.  The connections and trust made at this space have boosted the mothers’ confidence and inspired them to also offer time to help with children’s classes, help with food for various activities and take part in the neighbourhood gatherings.” 

About 80 families are involved in the institute activities unfolding in the neighbourhood of Hampton Park. Activities include youth gatherings, sports and recreation, several junior youth groups, children classes, tutoring programs, Ruhi study circles, and educational camps for junior youth and children during the school holidays. 

“Building on our efforts over the last few years, we continue to create an educational system that benefits our families and neighbourhood,” the group says. 

“We want to develop our own capacity and also ensure our children receive adequate education in its full and true form. This requires us to raise our consciousness on the importance of education in all of its forms. This will improve all aspects of life and increase connection and support between families in our neighbourhood, so they can assist each other in different aspects of life beyond education.”