Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Birth Companions @birthcompanions.bsky.social · 4d

The women we support tell us what it means to be seen, heard and cared for in some of the most difficult and isolating circumstances.

“Without them I couldn’t have the confidence to give birth. I am so grateful that there is a service that offers women a voice and support.”

DONATE: bit.ly/439N5Sr

1 1

Birth Companions @birthcompanions.bsky.social · 5d

DONATE NOW and make double the difference for pregnant women, mothers and babies experiencing severe disadvantage in the UK today.

Every £ you donate until midday on 15th October will be matched, until we hit our £10k target. DONATE: bit.ly/439N5Sr

#HopeBeginsHere #WGMF #BirthCompanions #BigGive

Birth Companions @birthcompanions.bsky.social · 6d

From 8–15 October, every donation to Birth Companions via the Big Give will be doubled until the match funding runs out – unlocking up to £20,000 to support women and babies experiencing severe disadvantage.

One donation. Twice the impact.

🌟Donate today: bit.ly/439N5Sr

#HopeBeginsHere #WGMF

HOPE Boxes launched across south east London, connecting birth mothers with their children - South East London ICS

Birth Companions @birthcompanions.bsky.social · 7d

HOPE Boxes are now live across South East London! 🎉

We've been part of the Giving HOPE project since day one, working alongside the inspiring HOPE Mothers who designed these boxes.

We couldn't be more thrilled to see them rolling out to more areas across the country.

Read more: bit.ly/3KGgAVJ

On 30 September, midwives, social workers, community services professionals, researchers, and people with lived experience gathered at a moving but uplifting event to celebrate the launch of HOPE (Hol...

Birth Companions @birthcompanions.bsky.social · 8d

Save the Date! Our week-long Big Give Women & Girls Match Fund campaign kicks off on Wed 8 Oct, midday. This means donations will be doubled until we hit our £10k target. Keep an eye on our website and social channels for updates at 12pm on Wednesday. #WGMF

Birth Companions @birthcompanions.bsky.social · 8d

We’re delighted to welcome Gurpreet Kaur Bhatti as Birth Companions’ new #ambassador - a writer for stage, screen and radio whose work has broken new ground and challenged audiences for over two decades. www.birthcompanions.org.uk/articles/gur...

Birth Companions @birthcompanions.bsky.social · 20d

Read our full response to the Sentencing Bill on our new website: www.birthcompanions.org.uk/articles/sen...

Sentencing Bill: Good, bad, or somewhere in between?

Birth Companions @birthcompanions.bsky.social · 22d

Any positive impact of this Bill for pregnant women & mothers of young children will depend on its implementation, as much as the letter of the law itself. This will require strong and hyper-focused effort from the Women’s Justice Board & delivery group.

Read our full response: bit.ly/42EIZS5

🧵4/4

A response to the Sentencing Bill from the Birth Companions Institute

Birth Companions @birthcompanions.bsky.social · 22d

And yet, there is also much to be concerned about.

The proposal to publish names and photo of those undertaking unpaid work as part of a community order is particularly alarming. It stigmatises those serving community orders, and would inevitably bring harm to children and wider family.

🧵3/4

Birth Companions @birthcompanions.bsky.social · 22d

We’re celebrating the inclusion of specific bail provisions for pregnant women, parents of dependent children and victims of domestic abuse.

This presents a major step forward – one we have long called for – and could significantly reduce the alarming number of women held in prison on remand.

🧵2/4

Sentencing Bill: Good, bad, or somewhere in between?

Birth Companions @birthcompanions.bsky.social · 22d

Good, bad, or somewhere in between?

The government’s new Sentencing Bill has given us all a lot to think about.

bit.ly/42EIZS5

🧵1/4

A response to the Sentencing Bill from the Birth Companions Institute

Introducing the Birth Companions Institute

Birth Companions @birthcompanions.bsky.social · 29d

We’re gathered at @impurbanhealth.bsky.social for the launch of the #BirthCompanionsInstitute. Thank you to our brilliant speakers @mayasikand.bsky.social, @karenb-2.bsky.social, Ivie Itoje from @wen-uk.bsky.social, Brooklyn and Tuesdae from our Lived Experience Programme, and Hannah Rayment-Jones.

2 4

Birth Companions @birthcompanions.bsky.social · Sep 15

Now, with the #BirthCompanionsInstitute, we are taking that work to the next level through research, public affairs, policy, campaigns, consultancy, the law and the media.

We’re here to drive radical change. Join us.

Learn more birthcompanions.org.uk/institute

Read our blog bit.ly/47KeVYG

A new centre of expertise for better care, equity and justice in pregnancy and early motherhood

Dr Annabel Sowemimo, Doctor, academic, activist and writer at Birth Companions

Birth Companions @birthcompanions.bsky.social · Sep 15

For 30 years we’ve supported women and babies facing severe disadvantage, and worked to change the structures, systems and services that shape their lives.

#BirthCompanionsInstitute #1001Days

1 1

Birth Companions @birthcompanions.bsky.social · Sep 15

Today we’re launching the Birth Companions Institute, a new centre of expertise dedicated to achieving better care, equity and justice for pregnant women and mothers, and their babies.

#BirthCompanionsInstitute #1001Days

1 2

Birth Companions @birthcompanions.bsky.social · Sep 15

Annabel’s commitment to equity in healthcare and support for women facing the toughest challenges makes her an inspiring partner for Birth Companions.

We are honoured to have her by our side.

www.birthcompanions.org.uk/people/dr-an...

We are proud to welcome Dr Annabel Sowemimo as Birth Companions’ new ambassador.

Birth Companions @birthcompanions.bsky.social · Sep 15

We’re delighted to welcome Dr Annabel Sowemimo as Birth Companions’ new ambassador.

A doctor, academic, activist, writer & founder of the Reproductive Justice Initiative, Annabel's work focuses on tackling health inequalities, racial disparities and improving access to care for marginalised groups.

1 3

Birth Companions @birthcompanions.bsky.social · Sep 12

We’re getting ready to launch something special next week, building on our 30 years of experience.

Keep an eye on our website and social channels for updates.

#BirthCompanionsInstitute

Birth Companions responds to the 2025 MBRRACE-UK report

Birth Companions @birthcompanions.bsky.social · Sep 11

The findings of this year's @npeu-oxford.bsky.social MBRRACE-UK report on maternal deaths are, more than ever, deeply challenging.

They present a stark picture of unmet need, widening inequalities and rising inequity.

Read Birth Companions' response here: www.birthcompanions.org.uk/articles/mbr...

MBRRACE Saving Lives, Improving Mothers’ Care 2025: Birth Companions’ CEO responds to the latest report from MBRRACE-UK on maternal deaths.

Understanding Dual Contact for Women | Centre for Crime and Justice Studies

1 3 1

Birth Companions @birthcompanions.bsky.social · Aug 18

We're hiring!

Our new Criminal Justice Services Manager will manage and develop all aspects of Birth Companions’ criminal justice-based services, and line-manage our team of criminal justice support coordinators.

Find out more: www.birthcompanions.org.uk/pages/96-vac...

Birth Companions @birthcompanions.bsky.social · Aug 7

"To keep families safely together, and break down barriers to children having the best possible start in life, we need a radical shift in the ways that children’s social care and the CJS – police, courts, prisons & probation – work together around pregnant women & mothers of infants."
bit.ly/3Ul7kb8

Understanding Dual Contact for Women | Centre for Crime and Justice Studies

Birth Companions @birthcompanions.bsky.social · Aug 7

Dual contact – simultaneous involvement in these two highly complex systems – often results in trauma, disruption of maternal bonds, and long-term adverse outcomes for children, particularly during the first 1001 days from conception to a child's second birthday.

bit.ly/3Ul7kb8