Thanks to new funding, black mothers in Bristol will be able to access more support during pregnancy and beyond.
LiveWest has supported the charity Black Mothers Matter with funding so it can continue to offer support groups and expand its services to residents in Bristol.
It delivers a range of resources and services that provide safe information and support available directly to communities. The charity is committed to supporting black pregnancies across the UK and giving mothers a safe space to share their experiences.
After our colleague introduced the inspiring group to the organisation, we began supporting the Black Mothers Matter group and its sessions.
LiveWest colleague, parent and supporter in the group, Debbie-Ann Ellis, said: “I found it very beneficial during my maternity leave when I found there was a black mother’s group, although I went to other baby groups, I liked coming here because I get to see people similar to me.
“The reason I did this was because I use the service. I liked meeting new people in our community and thought it was good, to share knowledge and share experiences. I knew that LiveWest offers funding, so I thought, why not put it to a good cause and to something I’m passionate about.
“I liked all the stuff we got involved in and when I went back to work and couldn't go to the Thursday group anymore, I was really happy to see that the Tuesday group was here, particularly the age she is, running around more, she clearly enjoys it.”
There is limited support available to new black mothers in Bristol, but this is improving after Black Mothers Matter launched these groups and additional funding will keep them running.
Black Mothers Matter currently has two regular drop-in groups, ‘Bumps and Babies’, focusing primarily on mums, bumps and babies, and a newer group ‘Boing’ which focuses on play and mums with older babies and pre-schoolers.
The group provides information and support to black mothers, is a specialist training provider for professional health and wellbeing practitioners and delivers other projects to include support for mothers.
Lauren, who has attended both groups with her daughter, said: ”We have been coming to Black Mothers Matter since Raina was about eight weeks old. It's been an absolutely beneficial group, having the support of lots of other black mums within my community.
“The sessions Black Mothers Matter put on are really beneficial, the challenges as a mum that you go through are a lot, so being able to connect with people of colour who relate and can identify with you is a really valuable experience.
“It's been really nice connecting with them and now Raina is getting a little bit older, (she's just over a year old) and we have started coming to Boing.
“This group is becoming more appropriate for her as she begins to move around, it's a safe space and I get to continue my journey spending time with black mums. So, thank you to the Black Mothers Matter team, we love you and we will be coming to Boing for as long as possible!“
Our Community Connector for the area, Colette Tuckey, has been working with the group to build relationships, support our residents and work with other partners who may get involved.
The funding is a social value contribution from our contractor CEF. This will ensure the sessions are ongoing for black mothers with older babies and pre-schoolers in Bristol and the surrounding areas.
It will also allow Black Mothers Matter to continue to provide peer support, health, wellbeing and other support and information to attendees.
Kita, who is attending with her son, said: ”I think Boing has been beneficial because we got to know the parents in the first year at baby group, found those who were alike and had the same interests. I think after the first year, you aren't ready to give that up so having Boing to move on to has been really nice.
“It's been a lot more relaxing as a parent, the kids can explore bounce and play and we can talk, and they need that space to burn off that energy. You even get a good nap afterwards!
“It caters for everyone, some weeks we buy food, some weeks we bring it, some weeks we share! And my son loves it! He loves coming here, he's got confidence coming here, he's made friends as well as me.“
The sessions are held weekly during term time with ‘Bumps and Babies’ on Thursdays between 11am and 1pm at the Hideout.
While ‘Boing’ is on Tuesdays between 11.30am to 1.30pm at Boing! Soft Play at Inns Court Community and Family Centre, Bristol.
If would like to find out more about the group, please email: hello@blackmothersmatter.org