Services Provided by Ubuntu Birth & Bereavement CIC
Services Provided by Ubuntu Birth & Bereavement CIC
Ubuntu Birth and Bereavement Companions (UBABC), a Community Interest Company based in Merseyside, offers a range of specialised services to support predominantly but not exclusively Black African Mothers, particularly those experiencing or at risk of pre- and postpartum depression, as well as asylum seekers, single mothers, and refugees. Below is a detailed description of each service provided by UBABC to empower and support predominantly but not exclusively Black African Mothers through childbirth and bereavement.
Birth Partner and Doula Services
UBABC provides one-to-one birth partner and doula services to predominantly but not exclusively Black African Mothers mothers during pregnancy and labour. These non-medical services focus on empowering mothers to make informed decisions about their childbirth experience, promoting positive outcomes and emotional well-being. A trained birth partner or doula offers continuous emotional, physical, and informational support before, during, and after labour. This includes helping mothers navigate their options, providing comfort during labour, and advocating for their preferences in a culturally sensitive manner. The goal is to ensure mothers feel supported, respected, and confident throughout the childbirth process, reducing stress and the risk of pre- and postpartum depression.
Baby Bank Access
UBABC operates a baby bank to alleviate the economic burden on predominantly but not exclusively Black African Mothers in Merseyside. The baby bank provides essential items such as baby clothes, prams, car seats, nappies, and hygiene products at no cost. This service is designed to support mothers who may face financial challenges, particularly asylum seekers, single mothers, and refugees. By providing these necessities, UBABC helps ensure that mothers and their babies have access to safe and essential supplies, promoting the health and well-being of both during the critical early stages of parenthood.
Healthy Food Hampers
To support postpartum recovery, UBABC provides healthy, culturally appropriate food hampers tailored to the nutritional needs of new mothers and their babies. These hampers include familiar and nutritious foods that promote physical recovery, boost energy levels, and support breastfeeding and overall maternal health.
Our service also supports mothers facing food insecurity due to the ongoing economic crisis, ensuring they have access to culturally relevant meals during this critical period. By addressing both nutritional and cultural needs, we help reduce stress and enhance the well-being of both mother and baby during this vulnerable time.
Grief and Bereavement Support
UBABC offers compassionate bereavement support to predominantly but not exclusively Black African Mothers experiencing loss, such as miscarriage, stillbirth, or the death of a loved one. This service includes practical and emotional assistance, such as help with funeral planning and connecting families with funeral directors who can accommodate specific cultural or religious practices. UBABC ensures that grieving mothers receive culturally sensitive care, respecting their traditions and providing a safe space to process their loss. This support also aims to help mothers navigate their grief to reduce the risk of prolonged emotional distress or depression.
Safe Spaces
We provide a safe space for single mothers, Asylum seekers, refugees, and destitute mothers and children to come together and share experiences.
Asylum seekers often arrive in the United Kingdom (UK) without existing social networks. We are providing a Safe space in the Liverpool community to help restore a sense of belonging and connection. This is crucial for maintaining mental and emotional well-being as it helps to combat isolation and loneliness. Research shows that refugee mothers particularly benefit from being able to connect with others in similar situations—sharing stories, laughter, challenges, and advice fosters emotional resilience and a sense of shared solidarity.
We provide a weekly drop-in safe space where refugee and asylum-seeking mothers and children can access nutritious hot meals, digital tools, parenting and legal guidance, and social support. As part of the initiative, children will also be provided with free iPads to support their education and development.
Workshops
UBABC organises community workshops to bring predominantly but not exclusively Black African Mothers together to share experiences, build connections, and access resources. These workshops cover topics such as childbirth preparation, postpartum care, mental health awareness, and coping with grief. Facilitated by trained professionals or volunteers, the workshops provide a supportive environment where mothers can learn practical skills, gain emotional support, and connect with others who share similar experiences. The workshops are designed to foster a sense of community and empower mothers through education and mutual support.
One-on-One Counselling Sessions
UBABC provides one-on-one counselling sessions to offer personalised emotional support to predominantly but not exclusively Black African Mothers. These sessions are delivered by trained counsellors who specialise in maternal mental health, grief, and bereavement. The counselling is tailored to address individual needs, including coping with pre- and postpartum depression, processing grief, or navigating the challenges of motherhood as an asylum seeker, single mother, or refugee. Conducted in a confidential and culturally sensitive setting, these sessions help mothers build resilience, manage stress, and work through emotional challenges.
Netball & Wellbeing Programme
This programme uses netball to improve physical health and emotional wellbeing through regular, structured sessions in a fun, inclusive, and culturally sensitive environment. It welcomes women and young people of all abilities, including beginners, ensuring everyone can participate comfortably and without judgement.
Beyond physical activity, it supports mental wellbeing by building confidence, reducing stress, and encouraging positive social connections. It is especially beneficial for those who may feel isolated, offering a safe space to meet others with shared experiences. The programme also develops teamwork, communication, and resilience, helping participants gain life skills while strengthening community cohesion and overall wellbeing.
Children Bereavement Support
Ubuntu supports children affected by bereavement through a gentle, holistic approach that prioritises emotional safety and expression. Children are offered safe spaces where they can explore their feelings through art, colouring, play, and storytelling. Dance and movement sessions provide a positive outlet for releasing emotions, improving mood, and rebuilding confidence. Ubuntu also supports mothers and caregivers, helping them understand and respond to their children’s grief in an age-appropriate and culturally sensitive way. Peer interaction reduces isolation, while memory and healing activities help children honour loved ones. Overall, Ubuntu fosters comfort, creativity, and connection, helping children build resilience and feel supported.
Ubuntu Catering Services
Ubuntu Catering Services is a social enterprise run by Ubuntu Birth and Bereavement Companions CIC that provides high-quality African and British catering for community events, conferences, training sessions, celebrations, cultural events, weddings, funerals, and private functions across Liverpool and surrounding areas.
The service was established to generate sustainable income that supports Ubuntu’s wider community work, including Birth Partner services, bereavement support, maternal health and wellbeing programmes, parenting workshops, and support for refugees, asylum seekers, migrant families, and other vulnerable community members.
By generating unrestricted income, Ubuntu Catering Services helps reduce reliance on grant funding and strengthens the long-term sustainability of the organisation. Profits are reinvested into community programmes, ensuring that more families can access essential support and services.
The catering service also creates opportunities for employment, volunteering, skills development, and work experience, helping local people gain confidence and practical experience in the hospitality sector. Through its menu of authentic African and English dishes, Ubuntu celebrates cultural diversity, promotes community cohesion, and introduces people to different cultures through food.
Homelessness Prevention
Ubuntu Birth and Bereavement Companions CIC is committed to preventing homelessness among Black African mothers, refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable families. We provide early intervention, housing advocacy and practical support to help families remain safely housed before they reach crisis point.
Our team helps people understand their housing rights, complete housing applications, communicate with landlords and local authorities, and access temporary accommodation through referrals to services such as Liverpool City Council Housing Solutions and other housing providers. We also support women experiencing domestic abuse, bereavement, financial hardship or language barriers, ensuring they receive the help they need to secure safe accommodation.
Our support continues after families are housed. Through culturally appropriate meals, peer support, financial literacy workshops, budgeting advice, employment guidance and emergency food and baby supplies, we help families build financial resilience, sustain their tenancies and reduce the risk of homelessness.
At Ubuntu, we believe everyone deserves a safe place to call home. We stand alongside vulnerable families with compassion, advocacy and practical support, helping them move from crisis to stability and hope.
Each service is designed to uphold UBABC’s mission to ensure no mother faces pregnancy, childbirth, or bereavement alone. By offering culturally sensitive, compassionate, and practical support, UBABC addresses the unique needs of BAME mothers in Merseyside, fostering a thriving community that respects diverse motherhood experiences and promotes holistic well-being.