The DLAM Fam (Community Interest Company)
We are excited to have received our biggest pot of funding yet from The National Lottery for 2024! In 2018 we set up as a community interest company (now known as The DLAM Fam CIC), which is the non-profit side of our business. We are passionate about making our classes affordable for all and continuing to share our knowledge of safe babywearing to provide Parents and Carers with an inclusive and welcoming space, where they can feel joy, get active, bond with thier baby and become part of our community of friendly and welcoming Mums that we are so well known for.
In 2023 we supplied 737 spaces in funded spaces! This year we are able to support even more, as well as run more workshops, taster sessions and provide FREE long term carrier loan for those on funded spaces in our classes.
Our Aims
To support Parents and carers, to be to gain access to classes that they might otherwise not be able to afford or have the confidence to attend
To increase activity & overall wellbeing
To reduce isolation by creating connection & support with other likeminded Parents in a non-judgmental, inclusive & welcoming environment
To increase awareness of the positive impact of Babywearing for Baby & Caregiver through, Dance Like a Mother Classes, 121 support & workshops
To increase confidence & support maternal mental health
“I suffer with severe anxiety but I feel comfortable and relaxed attending the classes. I love having my son close to me and seeing him laugh.”
FREE Funded Spaces
Through The National Lottery Funding, we are able to offer FREE Classes to Parents and carers that are on low income, as well as those under 25 years old. Accessing classes when you are financially unable to has been shown to promote maternal mental health, decrease isolation and improve self confidence.
You may be eligible for FREE classes if:
You are a Parent (Mum or Dad), or carer, under 25 years old
Are on a a low household income
Live within a postcode that has been highlighted as a deprived area
FREE Long term carrier loan
Parents who receive funded classes, will be given the option to use a brand new carrier for loan as part of the project. The impact of babywearing for both Parent and baby can have a huge impact on bonding, mental health and long term health outcomes. To find out more about the positive impact of babywearing see our blog HERE: Our top 5 reasons to wear your baby — Dance Like a Mother
“No matter how mentally and physically drained I feel when I arrive at class I always leave feeling happy, upbeat and like I’ve got enough positive energy to get me through the rest of the day ! I love having dedicated time to exercise and feel close to my baby.”
Taster classes & Babywearing workshops
We will also be offering FREE classes to groups or organizations who work with Young Parents, those who are on a low household income or may benefit from the joy, connection and confidence the classes bring. We can also offer Babywearing Support and workshops, run by our Director Nikki (Babywearing Consultant) to provide knowledge, confidence and support in how to wear their baby’s safely, as well as gaining the positive impact on both mental and physical health it can have for Parent and baby.
Past Projects
Rebel Mums - May 2021
The impact of covid-19 and lockdowns on Parents was substantial. With 87% feeling more anxious and 61% feeling concerned about their mental health*. Having provided classes for Mums to be, Women, Parents & Babies & Children online during the pandemic we saw the impact it was having around isolation, mental health & overall health and wellbeing. With some first time Mums not meeting any other Mums or babies for a substantial part of their babies early months, or even years.
Rebel Mums was created to provide supportive, inclusive and welcoming women’s circles for Mums coming out of lockdown. Running for 5 weeks in May 2021 they were set up in venues across Manchester for Mum to meet other Mums in the community in the hope of reducing isolation, increasing mental health & connecting with other Mums in the area.
The classes were free or pay as you feel to ensure that they were accessible for all. Money raised from this was then used to provide more free spaces for those in need going forward.
Rebel Mums - Reviews & Impact
100% of the Mums said the classes had a positive impact on their overall wellbeing
82% Had a greater sense of community & felt less isolated
73% made friends from attending the group
77% felt more confident around safe babywearing
“ This was just what I needed after lockdown with a newborn. Just meeting other Mums and knowing I wasn’t alone in my worries made me feel so much better” - Laura
“ I loved that the sessions were more about getting to know other women, rather than being a “baby group”. It was so lovely to feel safe, welcomed and have some genuine laughter after such a tough time during covid” - Helen
Online Classes - Lockdown 2020 - 2021
During the pandemic classes & workshops were offered for free to those in need. All classes were accessible either to join in at a set time or watch via a link at a convenient time for them. Classes & Workshops included:
Dance Like a Mother - Babywearing Dance
DLAM Dance Fit - Adult only Dance Fitness
Yoga Beats - Adult only yoga flow
Bumps & Beats - Pregnancy Yoga & Birth Prep
Pelvic Floor & Core
Baby Yoga & Massage
Kids Yoga Adventures
Kids Themed Ballet
Workshops: Babywearing 101, Mindfulness, Moon & Mensuration, Women’s Circles, Intro to Cloth Nappies
Monthly Quiz & Night out…in!
" What can I say about DLAM Dance Fit!? I've gone from a size 20 to a size 14, but more importantly I feel healthier, happier and stronger than I've ever been"
"Before lockdown the classes were the highlight of my week and being able to carry on, online in lockdown kept me connected, happy and healthy"
" Feeling connected even through zoom was a surprise. These women, have all been part of my life over Zoom for the past 18 months. Seeing each other, dancing, laughing and supporting each other has been a lifeline during lockdown"
Hayley
Back to face to face Classes 2021 - 2022
Funding was used to provide free places in our classes across Manchester to parents from low-income households who have gone through our funding application process. We also used the funding to subsidize classes in Langley as this was identified as a low income area, with little for Parents to do. We also provided free classes to Mums under 25, as they were more likely to feel isolated.
96.5% of mums who accessed funding and completed our end survey said they felt the classes had positively impacted their wellbeing
83% said that they felt less isolated since attending our classes
83% said they felt confident after attending our classes
"I love coming to Dance Like a Mother classes. Charlie is a great Instructor and we really have so much fun! it’s a great way to start your Monday morning and sets you up ready for the week and I love that we get quality bonding time together too.
For those thinking about joining do it you won’t regret it."
Maria
“ I am absolutely loving taking Luca to Dance Like a Mother. It's been great fun getting to know new mums and having a laugh in class.
Charlie really knows how to get people chatting and we definitely don't take things too seriously when it comes to the dancing.”
Charlotte