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Access Fund

Doula UK provides free doula support during pregnancy, labour and after the birth of a baby to women and birthing people who are experiencing disadvantage and financial hardship. 

About the Access Fund

We believe that everyone has a right to have a positive and supported birth experience and to the best possible start in life.

The Doula Access Fund provides free support during pregnancy, labour and after the birth of a baby to those experiencing disadvantage and financial hardship.  Each applicant is referred to us by a health care professional, social worker or charitable partner.

A doula is there as a continuous emotional and physical support and gives kind and respectful nonjudgmental care. The aim is to empower and give confidence to the parent to make the best, informed choices about their birth and how to care for their baby. Doulas do not give clinical advice. Doulas have a wide network and can signpost new families to free services in the area.

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

Birth Doula Support

A birth doula can visit during pregnancy and be their companion during labour and birth as a constant support. This is particularly impactful to the majority of applicants who are isolated in their pregnancy and may otherwise have given birth alone.

Postnatal Doula Support

Applicants can alternatively choose to select a postnatal doula who will support them and their baby in the first six weeks following the birth. The doula can help with breastfeeding or support in other ways to help facilitate a nurturing bond between the parent and baby. 

Virtual Doula Support

A virtual doula is available to support one to one online and over the phone to help parents prepare for the birth, understand and make choices about their maternity care and support them after the birth of their baby.

Apply to the Access Fund

If you are a healthcare professional, social worker or represent a charitable partner you may make a referral to the Access Fund for birth or postnatal doula support. Check eligibility and make a referral.

Make a referral

Funding

The Access Fund is mostly financed out of Doula UK’s membership income and from modest individual donations. We are always looking for additional financial contributions to enable us to reach more families needing support. 

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.

Our Impact

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'

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  experiencing disadvantage and financial hardship. We believe that everyone has a right to a positive, supported birth experience and to the best possible start in life.

Find out more

Donate now

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

  • £5
  • £10
  • £25
  • £50
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“
It changed my whole postnatal experience, I felt so nurtured, heard and supported.
”

Access Fund Recipient, 2022

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© Doula UK 2025. Community Interest Company (CIC) number 6771278. Address: 72 Godmans Lane, Marks Tey, Colchester, England, CO6 1NQ. Registered in England and Wales.