Maternity Mate
Sister Circle
Maternity Mates is a brilliant project run by Sister Circle, a charity that puts women’s health first, and who match trained volunteers with women who are going through pregnancy and birth without the help they need. Maternity Mates are there to listen, to offer reassurance, and to help women feel confident and informed. Volunteers might attend a scan or an appointment with the mum, give her confidence to access local services, support her at the birth, or just be a friendly face she can trust.
Maternity Mates are local women who give their time to walk alongside a mum during one of the most important times of her life. They are there to listen, to offer reassurance, and to help women feel confident and informed. Volunteers might attend a scan or an appointment with the mum, give her confidence to access local services, support her at the birth, or just be a friendly face she can trust. It is not about medical care. It is about emotional support, practical help, and human kindness. Sister Circle is proud to be working with Croydon Family Hubs to help grow the Maternity Mates programme in our borough. We want to build a diverse team of volunteers from all backgrounds; you do not need to have any medical training. All you need is time, a kind heart and a willingness to support others. Full training is provided, and you will be supported every step of the way. ● Free training led by midwives, breastfeeding counsellors, and mentoring and mentoring advocacy experts. ● Accredited qualification – Earn 9 credits at Level 3 with the Open College Network (OCN). ● Unique birth partner experience - Having the privilege of being by a woman's side during one of the most important and life-changing moments in her life —the birth of her child. ● Develop your skills in coaching, communication, and relationship-building. ● Increase knowledge and experience around pregnancy, labour, birth, and infant feeding to support your career in the healthcare sector. ● Build a strong network within professionals in the healthcare and social care sectors, creating valuable connections. ● The role allows volunteers to directly support women facing significant challenges, promoting a sense of accomplishment and personal growth. ● References will be provided to support volunteers’ professional journeys, whether in a healthcare, social services, or community-oriented career. Maternity Mates training All Maternity Mates undergo a free five-week training programme, which is accredited to Level 3 with the Open College Network (OCN). The training will provide volunteers with the knowledge and skills needed to develop in the Maternity Mate role. The training sessions will cover various topics including antenatal, preparing for birth, birth and postnatal support, mentoring and advocacy, infant feeding and maternal mental health, no previous experience is needed. The Maternity Mates training is delivered by midwives, breastfeeding counsellors, and mentoring and advocacy experts and has a blended delivery approach with online and classroom sessions.
Advice, information & support,Befriending, buddying and mentoring
Initiative/Self Motivation, Verbal Communication, Teamwork
No previous experience nor formal qualifications are required as Maternity Mates will receive a free training but, we ask applicants to have the personal attributes outlined below: ● Flexible & Non-Judgmental ● Effective Communicator ● Mature Outlook ● Empathy & Good Listener ● Reliable & Committed ● Interest in Women’s Health/Health Equity
● Accredited qualification – Earn 9 credits at Level 3 with the Open College Network (OCN). ● Unique birth partner experience - Having the privilege of being by a woman's side during one of the most important and life-changing moments in her life —the birth of her child. ● Develop your skills in coaching, communication, and relationship-building. ● Increase your knowledge and experience around pregnancy, labour, birth, and infant feeding to support your career in the healthcare sector. ● Build a strong network within professionals in the healthcare and social care sectors, creating valuable connections. ● Achieve an enormous sense of accomplishment, pride, and personal growth.
Following the initial training, the length of time each Maternity Mate spends with a pregnant woman, or a new mum will vary but is usually around 1-2 hours per week. As a Maternity Mate we would like you to commit to: Volunteering with us for at least 12 months (training + supporting mums) Supporting at least 3 mothers Attending at least 2 births
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Croydon Newham Tower Hamlets Waltham Forest
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