Here at York Mumbler we have devised a new badge-wearing scheme to combat loneliness and bring parents together. The small purple “Mumblerhood” badges are designed to pin onto coats, changing bags and buggies.We hope that these free badges will act as “ice breakers”, and give those wearing them the confidence to connect.
It really started when people on the York Mumbler Facebook Group started talking about loneliness or feeling like they couldn’t connect with parents – this has been emphasised even more during the pandemic where face to face connection has been pretty much impossible.
Parenting can be very difficult. When your child has a tantrum in the supermarket on the floor, you feel judged by people. I wanted to do something positive to help with that and extend the sense of community – that we already have online – onto the streets.
If someone is wearing that badge, they are a friend. If your child has a meltdown and you see someone wearing the badge nearby, you know you’re in it together with friends, you’re not alone.
The badges are deliberately small – about the size of a penny – and don’t have Mumbler branding. I wanted them to be subtle so even if you don’t want to have a conversation that day – you can still have a connection.
If you want a badge, You can get them at most of York’s Libraries including:
(if your library doesn’t have them, please let us know at emily@mumbler.co.uk and we’ll re-stock them)
I really hope the Mumblerhood will help parents to brave new situations. I’m an extrovert and don’t have a big problem going to baby groups and chatting to people but for some people it is quite nerve wracking, especially when you have just had a baby. As with everything Mumbler… I want it to be inclusive club, not something that excludes people. You don’t have to do anything; you can just wear it and it can be subtle. I’d love to see dads and grandparents wearing them too.
We use the #Mumblerhood as a bit of a movement on social media, for people to share examples of when being part of a team has helped or any great experiences they’ve had with the Mumblerhood Badges. I’d love to hear your stories.
It could be somebody helping you in the supermarket, in the playground, making you feel welcome somewhere new, brightening your day, or anything that has made you feel better.
To take part, share your story with the #Mumblerhood.
Thanks for the coverage about the #Mumblerhood on York Mix Radio and York Press Here
A #Mumblerhood Interview on YorkMix…
Plus the Minster FM News clip….
