For photos please visit the Dropbox folder: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/sfomm6gi4dasaa9iqy0d5/h?dl=0&rlkey=obh170x2psakj6b75wqhk8jfa

Run by a small team of Minority Ethnic birth and perinatal practitioners, Support ME strives to improve the health and emotional well-being of Muslim families living in Nottingham City Centre.

The Muslim Village will offer culturally appropriate support and aims to reduce birth trauma and postnatal depression, reduce the stigma of perinatal mental health, and increase Muslim engagement with NHS maternity services.

The new group will be open every Monday from 10.30 am -12 pm starting on 20 March 2023 at The Vine, Bobbersmill, Nottingham. 

Children are welcome to attend, where there will be toys and resources for them to enjoy whilst mothers seek support from Muslim birth and perinatal practitioners, alongside free refreshments. 

“We are thrilled to be launching our new Muslim Village,” says Manisha, co-founder of Support ME. “Support ME is committed to providing the best possible care to Muslim families in Nottinghamshire, and we are excited to provide an environment where families can come together and learn in a safe, supportive and culturally sensitive environment.”

“After my own personal experience of three challenging pregnancies, coupled with birth trauma and postnatal depression, I’m proud to be using my professional experience in this field, to help Muslim pregnant women and mums get the perinatal education and support they need.” 

For many Muslim women in the UK, pregnancy and childbirth can be overwhelming. This is often due to a lack of cultural understanding and access to the necessary support systems.

For Muslim families, the birth of a child is steeped in tradition and religious requirements that are deeply meaningful and significant. From the moment of birth, Muslim children are surrounded by a wealth of customs, practices, and rituals that have been passed down through generations.

Without access to tailored support, these needs often go unmet, leaving Muslim women feeling isolated and unsupported. Additionally, many Muslim women do not feel comfortable discussing certain aspects of their pregnancy with healthcare providers, leading to a lack of understanding about their unique needs.

Support ME’s Muslim village aims to bridge this gap by providing support and resources to ensure Muslim women have free access to the necessary information and education to make informed decisions about their pregnancy and childbirth. 

“It’s important we all work together to ensure that all mothers-to-be have access to the advice and guidance they need,” says Birth & Postnatal Doula Rosie, who will be helping run the new Muslim Village. 

“The Muslim Village is a safe community for Muslim women to receive support, education and guidance whilst bonding over shared experiences, struggles and joys. Together, we tackle stigmas and misconceptions surrounding pregnancy, birth and parenthood to create much-needed positive changes for women and in our extended communities.” 

Muslim Village will also continue to run throughout Ramadan. Bookings are not required. 

Find out more at:  https://supportmecic.com/muslim-village/ 

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS:

For further details, or to organise an interview please contact: 

Emma Oldham (07939180489)  / emma_web07@yahoo.com 

About Support ME CIC: 

Support ME Is run by birth workers, mothers and volunteers who share a passion for improving perinatal and birth care for all communities and acknowledge and accept their cultural practices. Support ME creates a safe and inclusive space by offering culturally-appropriate support and guidance.