Access Fund
The Doula Access Fund provides free support during pregnancy, labour and after the birth of a baby to those experiencing disadvantage and financial hardship.
A doula provides continuous emotional and physical support and gives kind and respectful non-judgemental care. The aim is to empower and give confidence to the parent to make the best, informed choices about how to care for their baby. Doulas also have a wide network and can signpost new families to free services in the area such as baby groups and postnatal depression services ensuring a continuity of care.
Access Fund doulas are all members of Doula UK and have completed approved Doula UK training, mentoring and have a current DBS.
Each applicant is referred to us by a healthcare professional, social worker or charitable partner. All applicants are experiencing financial hardship and the majority have multiple challenges and vulnerabilities including fleeing domestic violence, mental health diagnosis, in the social care system, homeless or in temporary accommodation, survivors of abuse or trafficking, disabled, 60% are lone parents and 39% are Black or Asian.
Our impact
Since January 2021 we have been able to provide birth or postnatal doula support to 70 people and have a strong network of Access Fund doulas all of whom are Doula UK members.
Feedback received from Doula Access Fund supported parents told us 'I feel that having doula support:
helped me to have a more positive birth experience
enabled me to give my baby a better start in life
helped me to bond well with my baby
increased my confidence with looking after my baby
improved my mental health and well-being in pregnancy and after my baby was born'
Funding
In May 2022 we received funding from the Safer Beginnings to provide postnatal doula support to those most impacted by harm, violence and previous or existing trauma after the birth of a baby.
We receive no public subsidy and are reliant on private donations and grants to sustain the Access Fund and continue to provide doula support to those most in need.
