A study conducted by Amma Birth Companions has found instances of discrimination, high rates of intervention, and issues with interpretation and communication that contribute to disparities in perinatal care for women seeking asylum, refugees, and those with varied immigration statuses.
When we moved into our new office in June 2023, it was a huge, empty, white space. Since then we’ve been making the space feel more and more like a home – with new walls and doors built for us by Top Drawer Joinery , cosy furnishings, our Amma signature colours, photos and art, and of course plenty of toys for the kids.
The last exciting part of this process has been a series of wall decorations and murals by our wonderful long-term collaborator Alice Dansey-Wright.
Glasgow-based charity Amma Birth Companions has won a major national award for its work to improve the health, wellbeing, and birthing experiences of pregnant women facing vulnerable circumstances, including individuals seeking asylum and refugees.
Following a rigorous selection and assessment process, Amma Birth Companions was chosen from more than 500 charities across the UK as one of the 10 winners of the 2024 GSK IMPACT Awards, which are delivered in partnership with The King’s Fund. Now in its 27th year, the awards are a mark of excellence in the charity sector, designed to recognise the outstanding work of small and medium-sized charities working to improve people’s health and wellbeing in the UK.
It’s a new year and race season is coming up fast!
Last year we had an amazing time at the Supernova Run in Falkirk, and the Kiltwalk all the way from Glasgow Green to Balloch – and we’re getting ready to do it all again! Will you join us to walk and run #milesformamas and raise money for our services, to ensure that pregnant people in Glasgow don’t have to give birth alone? We have two amazing events coming up this spring, which will be wonderful opportunities to have fun, get fit, and support Amma all at the same time.
As we enter into a brand new year, Team Amma is looking ahead to new plans and challenges, and reflecting on how far we came in 2023. Continue reading below to hear about some of our hopes and intentions for 2024!
Vote for Amma and Help Us Win a Donation! We are kicking off the New Year with a fantastic opportunity for Amma Birth Companions to win a donation! All we
This holiday season, our Peer Support Volunteers took Amma’s festive celebration into their own hands, and they created such a beautiful occasion for everyone. For many it was the first time they had planned a festive get together, and they poured such love and enthusiasm into every element of the party. From the decorations to entertainment to costumes to choosing the best snacks, every detail was considered. And the result was the warmest, most delightful day, with treats for all!
Each year the Scottish Health Awards recognises the contributions of health and social care practitioners who work hard to ensure the highest quality of care for all. This year’s ceremony held on 2nd November 2023 brought together healthcare professionals, organisations and advocates from across Scotland.
This year Amma was nominated for a third time for the Tackling Health Inequalities Award. In 2021 we won for the first time and now we’re delighted to say that in 2023 Amma’s work has been recognised again by the Scottish healthcare community.
This week the Commissioner for Children and Young people issued a new report highlighting the troubling use of hotel-type accommodations for children in asylum and homelessness systems, in conflict with
This week is UK Black Maternal Mental Health Week (BMMHW), taking place from 25th September to 1st October. BMMHW is an annual event that aims to promote education, advocacy, and support for Black women during their pregnancy and postpartum journey, which is deeply relevant for the Amma community.
On June 23, we were delighted to attend the Scottish Charity Awards in Edinburgh. Hosted by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), these awards celebrate the individuals and organisations that strengthen our communities and improve people’s lives across Scotland. This year’s shortlist included Amma’s Vice-Chair, Vongayi Mufara, who was awarded Trustee of the Year.
On Friday, June 23, as part of Refugee Festival Scotland, we held an event at Glasgow Women’s Library celebrating our project Mama Stitch. This project was a collaboration between Amma and Dr Lucy Lowe, Senior Lecturer in Medical Anthropology at Edinburgh University.
We were delighted to secure a much larger space in an office building not far from our current location. But this space is far from cosy, and needs some customisation to make it feel like home.
Can you help to make this space into our dream Amma HQ?
Yesterday, the government’s cruel and unworkable Illegal Migration Bill passed its third reading in the House of Commons. It will now go to the House of Lords for consideration, where it, if passed, will become law.
The impact of this Bill is truly horrifying. At Amma, we are deeply concerned about the impact it will have on all people seeking safety, but particularly on pregnant women and their children.
International Women’s Day is an opportunity to honour the experiences and identities of all those who experience oppression under patriarchy — and to talk about the specific injustices faced by women and birthing people. Here at Amma, we believe these conversations shouldn’t take place on just one day a year. So, this International Women’s Day we’re kicking off a three-part series of frank and open discussions focused on the many intersections of reproductive justice.
The famous Kiltwalk is an epic walking event that happens across Scotland throughout the warmer months, the Glasgow event takes place between Glasgow, Clydebank and Loch Lomond, with three distances to choose from – a Kiltwalk to suit everybody!
The Supernova Run is a stunning 5k route around the Kelpies in Falkirk Helix Park. Runners will make their way around the Kelpies, and be immersed in an enchanting journey of light and sound. This Mother’s Day weekend, join ‘#TeamAmma as we run #milesformamas.
On November 8, a mural exploring Black motherhood was unveiled outside the Princess Royal Maternity Hospital in Glasgow. This mural is a public declaration of a commitment to racial equality and justice, and an invitation to continue to hold this hospital and others like it to account — to co-create a maternity system where everyone receives not just adequate care, but excellent care.
Amma Birth Companions has been awarded Maternity Service of Sanctuary status, recognising its support and welcome for people seeking sanctuary. The title, the first of its kind in Scotland, was awarded by City of Sanctuary UK, a nationally coordinated network of organisations and services, including councils, universities, theatres and libraries that welcome and support refugees and people seeking asylum.
When Angelina Edwin arrived in Glasgow from Sri Lanka, she didn’t know that her experience would see her support new parents as they found their own feet in a new country.
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