Could you be a Maternity Mate?

Women’s Health and Family Services (WHFS) have an innovative Maternity Mates volunteer project that fills that crucial gap for disadvantaged pregnant women in what can be, for some, an overwhelming and challenging time further exasperated by social and economic hardship and stretched health services.

Today, disadvantaged pregnant women are more likely to die during or post pregnancy according to research. This includes socially disadvantaged women affected by pre-existing mental health problems; those who are undernourished or poorly sheltered; and those who are at increased risk due to the threat of abusive and unsupportive partners, families and peers.

Since 2010, 500 local Maternity Mates volunteers have been trained to support more than 2,000 women during pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood to feel empowered to make the right choices for them and their baby, to navigate the healthcare system and services available, and most importantly, to be a trusted companion on the journey of motherhood

WHFS currency recruits, trains and matches-up volunteer Maternity Mates with pregnant women in need of extra support in Tower Hamlets, Newham and Waltham Forest, with plans to expand into other London boroughs and the aim of becoming a nationwide service.

WHFS trains female volunteers, recruited from the communities they serve, to become a Maternity Mate whose role is focused on providing practical and emotional support to women during pregnancy, childhood and the early weeks of motherhood.

Could you be a potential Maternity Mate? Please see their website for more information on the project and role.