Why do asylum-seeking and refugee women need additional support?
We at Project MAMA think that maternity staff at the NHS do a great job at supporting women with the resources available. However many migrant women have additional stumbling blocks to contend with, such as getting used to a new healthcare system, grappling with language barriers and having already been through traumatic circumstances, really need extra support. Additionally, these women have often forcibly had to leave their homes and often have no community or family support in the UK.
What support do volunteer mother companions provide?
Our birth companions work in teams of 3 and support women and their families during pregnancy, labour and the weeks following birth. They provide practical support, emotional care and information during this time. Our birth companions will also be there to advocate these women’s needs when required.
Crucially, the presence of a birth companion helps a woman in labour feel safe and confident throughout the birth, delivery and the immediate postpartum period.
Is Project MAMA a registered charity?
YES! We are pleased to announce that Project MAMA is now a registered charity. This means that you are able to claim gift aid on your financial donations. Our Registered Charity Number is: 1182112.
Where does your funding come from?
We are currently funded by small funding bodies, trusts and private donations. To date, we have received funding from Lush Charity Pot, Southwest Foundation, Allen Lane Foundation and East Bristol Commons Trust. We only accept and apply for funding from donors who comply with our ethical framework.
Do you take donations of baby items?
Unfortunately, we only have a small office space and no storage space. Our partners at Baby Bank Network do take donations at present. If you have items, please donate them through contacting them here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do asylum-seeking and refugee women need additional support?
We at Project MAMA think that maternity staff at the NHS do a great job at supporting women with the resources available. However many migrant women have additional stumbling blocks to contend with, such as getting used to a new healthcare system, grappling with language barriers and having already been through traumatic circumstances, really need extra support. Additionally, these women have often forcibly had to leave their homes and often have no community or family support in the UK.
What support do volunteer mother companions provide?
Our birth companions work in teams of 3 and support women and their families during pregnancy, labour and the weeks following birth. They provide practical support, emotional care and information during this time. Our birth companions will also be there to advocate these women’s needs when required.
Crucially, the presence of a birth companion helps a woman in labour feel safe and confident throughout the birth, delivery and the immediate postpartum period.
Is Project MAMA a registered charity?
YES! We are pleased to announce that Project MAMA is now a registered charity. This means that you are able to claim gift aid on your financial donations. Our Registered Charity Number is: 1182112.
Where does your funding come from?
We are currently funded by small funding bodies, trusts and private donations. To date, we have received funding from Lush Charity Pot, Southwest Foundation, Allen Lane Foundation and East Bristol Commons Trust. We only accept and apply for funding from donors who comply with our ethical framework.
Do you take donations of baby items?
Unfortunately, we only have a small office space and no storage space. Our partners at Baby Bank Network do take donations at present. If you have items, please donate them through contacting them here.