AM – Emotional & Practical Support

“When I came to the UK, I didn’t have my family around me. After having major surgery and losing my ability to carry a child, I felt like my whole world had changed. I was grieving, struggling financially and spending so much time alone.

Ubuntu came to me when I really needed someone. They visited me at home, listened to me without judging me and provided an emergency food hamper when I was struggling with basic needs.

What meant the most was knowing that somebody cared enough to keep checking on me. I didn’t feel forgotten. Ubuntu gave me emotional support, companionship and hope during one of the most difficult periods of my life.”

 “AM”, Ubuntu Mother

SK – Birth Partner Support

“I came to the UK pregnant and alone as an asylum seeker. I didn’t have family here, my English was limited and I was frightened about giving birth by myself.

Ubuntu gave me a Birth Partner who stayed with me during labour. Having someone beside me made such a difference. I had someone to reassure me, support me and help me communicate my needs in hospital.

After my baby was born, Ubuntu continued visiting me at home. They gave me a baby starter pack and connected me with other mothers. I went from being afraid that I would face childbirth alone to knowing that someone was there for me.

Ubuntu didn’t just support me during the birth; they helped me feel that I belonged somewhere.”

 “SK”, Ubuntu Mother

NM – Safe Space, Wellbeing & Family Support

“Being a single mother of four children without much support was very difficult for me. I was isolated, stressed and had very little time to look after my own wellbeing because my children always came first.

Ubuntu gave us somewhere to belong. Every Saturday, I can meet other mothers, talk, laugh and take part in Netball while my children enjoy dancing, art and other activities.

We can also have a hot meal together, which helps me financially and means a lot when you are supporting four children.

Ubuntu has helped me get out of the house, become more active and make friends. My children have also made friends and have something they look forward to.

For me, Ubuntu is not just an activity. It has become a community for me and my children.”

“NM”, Ubuntu Mother

RA-Bereavement Support Following Stillbirth

“Losing my baby was one of the hardest experiences of my life. I felt completely alone. I became isolated and didn’t know how to deal with my grief or even where to begin with arranging my baby’s funeral.

Ubuntu listened to me and supported me without rushing my grief. They visited me at home and helped me find funeral directors who understood and respected my African culture.

They continued checking on me and invited me to their Safe Space so that I didn’t have to stay at home alone all the time.

Slowly, I started meeting people again and feeling part of a community. Ubuntu did not make me forget my baby, but they helped me understand that I didn’t have to carry my grief alone.

Sometimes you don’t need someone to fix everything. You just need someone who will sit with you, listen and remind you that you are not alone. Ubuntu did that for me.”

“RA”, Ubuntu Bereavement Support Mother