Project MAMA

We wanted to share some words from our incredible CEO, Clare Smith, as she heads off on maternity leave: It seems quite an unusual moment to be stepping away, just as the organisation enters into a new period of exciting opportunities. But in other ways, it totally aligns with Project MAMA's core values. We are a solidarity network led by the mamas we walk alongside, the volunteers who pour everything they can spare into this work, and the outstanding women on the staff team. In all honesty, this pregnancy has been a whirlwind compared to my first and I have barely had time to take stock of it all. But as the days are winding up towards my maternity leave, I've been in quite a reflective space and have been looking back at the past year of our work. We are supporting more mamas and babes than ever before. We have incredibly faithful serving Mother Companions and inspiring new volunteers all jumping in together. We have a brilliant staff team, who are so committed to supporting the community we serve, whilst also continuously growing in their own skills and expertise - I really feel humbled by the level of competence of those around me. As Project MAMA enters a new season, we are looking up and getting ambitious. What are the conflicts we want to jump into and where can we respond to challenges in a proactive way, without feeling overcome by the shit show environment we're working in? I know this fierce community of powerful women will take the charge forward together and I'm excited to see how far we can go from here. If anything, I hope the next year sees a significant shift in the barriers the mamas are experiencing in accessing the healthcare and support they need. I hope that community is more easily found for every one of them and I pray that, across the UK maternity system as a whole, we wake up to the reality of what it really means for those who have migrated to the UK to undertake pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum recovery. Please continue to share and spread the word of this fight, through our socials but also through your own conversations and advocacy - change can happen.

🌟 We’ve Launched a Solidarity Shop! 🌟 This festive season, you can make a real difference by gifting essential support to migrated mamas and their little ones. A purchase in our Solidarity Shop could go towards gifting a mama: 🎁 A hot, nourishing meal at our community Hub 🎁 A self-care gift bag to enjoy as she prepares for birth 🎁 An interpreter to break down barriers to vital support 🎁 Antenatal sessions so she feels prepared for birth 🎁 One-to-one postnatal care as she adjusts to life with a new babe 🎁 A trusted companion on-call to be her birth partner Head to our website to shop in solidarity with refugee, asylum-seeking and migrated mamas: https://lnkd.in/euyNguba

Did you see Project MAMA on BBC News last week? Our charity has been collaborating with the NSPCC to create early years resources that are more accessible for mamas from migrant backgrounds. Read the article to find out more: https://lnkd.in/ebS5qrBq

🍁September in Numbers 🍁 With crisp air rolling in and the leaves beginning to fall, we wanted to share what Project MAMA has been up to in the first month of Autumn. In September, we supported 13 incredible Mamas and welcomed 2 beautiful new babes into the world 🧡 Our team of staff and volunteers carried out 31 home visits, offering the reassurance, nurture, and encouragement every parent deserves during this profound time. This support creates space for a Mama to feel heard and harness her strength as she steps into a new season of life. If you want to support our work, we’re always looking for passionate midwives, doulas, therapists, and health visitors to join our Mother Companion team! #ProjectMAMA #ItTakesAVillage

Last month our CEO, Clare Smith, was featured in Go Inspire Magazine. In the interview, Clare shares her journey as CEO, how Project MAMA has evolved over the years, what’s next for us, and how you can get involved in making a difference. 💫 Read the full piece, plus a whole collection of other inspiring stories on trailblazing women: https://lnkd.in/eHi7Zus8

✨ Our first Impact Report is live! ✨ This report brings to life 365 days of walking alongside women on their journey to parenthood. Through its pages, we’ve tried to capture the strength and resilience of the Mamas we support, the joy of connection and new life, and the challenges of fighting a system designed to traumatise and repress. In the midst of a busy season, we’ve loved the opportunity to take a breath and reflect on our work of the last year. Looking back, we’re overwhelmed by the dedication, love and solidarity our village offered. Thank you to all our volunteers, staff and supporters - we couldn’t do it without you!

Project MAMA’s CEO Clare Smith, is about to embark on the wonderful journey of motherhood for the second time. We are so excited for this next chapter for her and to see who will join our village as Maternity Cover for the CEO role. The role of CEO is key to ensuring the sustainability of our mission, setting the example for our organisational culture and ensuring the strategic plans and day to day operations are delivered in line with our values and goals. We are looking for someone who is seeking the opportunity to flex either new or established leadership skills, join in the beautiful community of people at Project MAMA and support the team to continue its incredible work. If you are a collaborative leader with expertise in advocacy within the community services sector, who has a passion for maternal and women’s health outcomes and for working with people from migrant communities, particularly refugees and asylum seekers, then please get in touch. We’d particularly encourage applications from people with lived experience of migration and/or displacement and those who are currently underrepresented in the UK charities sector, including people from lower socio-economic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ people, people from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds, people who experience racism, disabled and neurodivergent people. To see more details and apply, click here 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eHgrJa9r

It’s World Breastfeeding Week! This year, the focus is on closing the gap in breastfeeding inequalities. Did you know 8 out of 10 UK parents stop breast or chestfeeding before they’re ready because they lack essential support? Mamas who have faced disadvantage often experience even more barriers. At Project MAMA, we’re all about challenging perinatal health inequalities. Our amazing Mother Companions support a woman to access info on breast and formula feeding, so she can make the best choice for her and her babe. If a Mama wants to breastfeed, her companion will be there every step of the way, offering support, encouragement, and reassurance. Join the #WBW2024 campaign with World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) and help create a world where every one who wants to breast or chestfeed has the resources and support they need! 🌍💪👶 #WorldBreastfeedingWeek #ProjectMAMA #SupportAllMamas Source of Information: UNICEF

Last week, we held Project MAMA’s annual summer picnic. Mamas we’ve supported over the years, and the volunteers and staff who make up our village, gathered together to share food in the sunshine and celebrate our community. It was a joy to catch up with so many incredible women whom we’ve had the privilege of standing alongside and to see how much their little ones have grown. On precious days like these we’re extra grateful for everyone who makes Project MAMA possible 🧡

Donate £10 to enter Project MAMA’s Raffle! You’ll be in with a chance of winning some lush prizes: 🧡 A wine tasting at KASKwine 🧡 A relaxing massage at Loop Massage 🧡 A Season + Taste voucher for Bravas 🧡 A collection of Drinks Kitchen Limited drinks 🧡 A treatment voucher for Bath Holistic Massage 🧡 2 cases of Bristol Beer Factory's finest beer 🧡 3 class yoga bundle at Elevate 🧡 A meal for 4 people at Squeezed 🧡 An £80 voucher for wine tasting at Bristol Local Wine School As well as goodies from Herbivore, Berthas, Root, and Salt and Malt! The draw is taking place on Wednesday night so donate £10 to get your tickets now: https://lnkd.in/gXV_Yzmf Please email hello@projectmama.org your donation receipt & we’ll let you know if you’re a winner!