The remarkable women we support find themselves in difficult circumstances of multiple complexities – no support network, living in poor temporary accommodation, newly arrived in the UK with little English, no knowledge of the maternity and women’s healthcare systems, homeless, having experienced gender violence.
Each woman deserves to have good mental, physical and social wellbeing and to receive support in rebuilding a better life for herself and her family. You will complete our accredited training and then be matched with a women in around the fifth month of pregnancy. You will provide ongoing regular support and advocacy, including during birth and up to 12 weeks post-partum, and help ensure the woman you are matched with has the healthiest, happiest pregnancy and birthing experience possible. Many of the women we work with are extremely isolated - you will be alongside her during this exciting and daunting time as her 'Maternity Mate'.
If you're interested in supporting vulnerable women, in tackling health inequalities, in challenging yourself and growing, you will thrive in this role.
You will be properly trained, supported and nurtured. Previous Maternity Mates have described the experience as 'truly inspiring', 'eye-opening', and 'empowering'. There is nothing quite like it.
You will receive OCN-accredited training, experience of support and advocacy, and knowledge of the pregnancy and birthing experience in South London.
You will be skilled up on topics including perinatal support, infant feeding, maternal mental health, mentoring skills, trauma-informed care, and safeguarding. You will be properly supported and nurtured to become a confident, effective Maternity Mate.
Women who are empathetic, kind, compassionate, reliable, and warm.
Women who are interested in women's health, pregnancy and birth, and fighting health inequality.
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We are recruiting volunteers for our 2026 exhibition, 'The Weight of Being,' which explores the profound ways in which external pressures shape artistic expression, mental health, and resilience. Our team of volunteers make our exhibitions possible.
