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In
the Community....
We all see the news of what’s happening in our communities…
gun and knife crime, youth disorder and all the associated criticism
of young people. Rightly, or wrongly, everyone would agree that
our community needs some support.
It may seem to be too late to go into the community and reach
out to young people before their troubles set in. However, many
organisations and people are already working to take a positive
message to young people in the community. A particular organisation
I have been involved in is Divine
Communications Trust which works with children and young
people to promote the importance of educational achievement;
raise their aspirations; encouraging economic well being; and
supports them to develop the self-confidence to deal with life’s
challenges & changes.
A solution?
What if the community could support young people at a different
time in their life? Perhaps we could start with new young or
vulnerable mothers and help equip them with some of the information,
support and nurture they need?
Perhaps having extended support would make the world of difference
to these young women?
I wonder if helping very young mothers at a time when they really
need some support, when their baby is very young, would help
lay some of the solid foundation for the child and mother in
communication, bonding and knowing when and where to ask for
help…
That’s why I would like to work in the community with
young and sometimes vulnerable new mothers.
My pledge to my community
I pledge to offer my postnatal doula service FREE i.e. 20 hours,
to at least one young mother in my community, for every paying
client I work for. I shall seek out opportunities to identify
young women in my community who have no other family support
and I will offer my assistance to them. They shall get the same
information, caring, nurture and extended family support that
I would give to any paying client.
So what can you do to help?
First of all, spread the word… tell people what you’ve
learnt about doulas and the world of difference such postnatal
support can make to families.
Contact me and let me know if you are
aware of any particular centres or community groups in your
area that could benefit from support. Please provide details
of the centre / group and, if possible, the name of a member
of staff I can get in touch with. Leave the rest to me…
I will contact them and offer my services as a postnatal doula
to any new young mothers they are in touch with. |
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