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Access Fund / Who is Eligible?

Who is Eligible?

Healthcare professionals, representatives from charitable partners and agencies can make a referral to the Doula Access Fund.

Doula 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. 

What support is offered if successful?

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 have a wide network and can signpost new families to free services in the area such as baby groups.

Doula UK Access Fund Doulas have all completed approved Doula UK training, safeguarding training, mentoring, have a current DBS and are insured.

Make a Referral

Eligibility:

Experiencing financial hardship

Proof of receipt of benefits or no recourse to public funds will be required.

and fulfills one or more of the following criteria;

  • Lone parent

  • From a marginalised community

  • Mental health diagnosis

  • Fleeing domestic violence

  • Homeless or in temporary housing

  • In the social work system

  • Registered disability

  • Survivor of trafficking or abuse

Application process and timescale

You can only be referred by a healthcare professional (midwife, GP, social worker etc) or a representative from a charitable partner or agency. 

1

Make a referral

Healthcare professionals complete the online referral application for support from the Doula Access Fund on behalf of the mother or parent.

2

Decision

Doula UK will notify the referrer and the parent within 6-8 weeks of the application.

3

Find a Doula

If successful, the parent will find a doula who offers support through the Access Fund.

4

Doula Support

The Access Fund doula will provide birth support or 20 hours of postnatal support depending on the type of support chosen.
Check if there is an Access Fund Doula in your area.
Find a Doula

Access fund

The Doula UK Access Fund provides free doula support during pregnancy, labour and after the birth of a baby to mothers and birthing people who are most vulnerable. We believe that everyone has a right to a positive, supported birth experience and to the best possible start in life.

Donate now

Help us provide free doula support to someone in need. Donate to our access fund.

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