HOPE Boxes launched across south east London, connecting birth mothers with their children
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 (Hold On, Pain Eases) boxes across south east London. Created by the not-for-profit social enterprise Giving HOPE, and co-designed with midwives, social workers, foster carers and mothers with lived experience, HOPE boxes are designed to reduce the trauma experienced by mothers and babies facing separation close to birth. They aim to maintain a connection between mother and baby, with each item in the box specifically chosen for a purpose.
Each year, more than 3000 mothers in England are separated from their newborn babies due to safeguarding concerns. MBRRACE-UK data shows women involved in children’s social care (CSC) are disproportionately represented among maternal deaths, especially suicides and deaths linked to substance use. Since 2014, the proportion of women with CSC involvement who died during pregnancy or shortly after nearly doubled. Midwives and colleagues working with women facing separation from their baby can save lives with compassion and kindness.
NHS South East London ’s Local Maternity and Neonatal System (LMNS) has now funded HOPE Boxes to be made available locally. These will be available to women and birthing people across Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, and Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust. PAUSE in Southwark, who work with women who have experienced, or are at risk of, repeated pregnancies that result in children needing to be removed from their care, will also distribute these boxes.
In addition to the boxes themselves, LMNS has also funded training for healthcare professionals. This training aims to reduce stigma, help professionals understand when and how to offer the boxes, and ensure they take care of themselves as well as the mothers.
The boxes will be offered to those who are going to be separated from their baby due to social care services input, including permanent separation at birth or when the baby is in foster care while awaiting court proceedings.
At the event, healthcare professionals heard from researchers and mothers with lived experience, including Angela Frazer-Wicks MBE, Director of Giving HOPE. Angela lost her oldest two children to adoption in 2004 but has
since reconnected with them and had another child without local authority involvement. She spoke about how the traumatic experience impacted her memory of the birth of her middle child and the heartbreak of not having any pictures from that day to look back on. HOPE boxes aim to alleviate some of this pain during a very difficult time. Feedback from adopted adults highlighted the significance of these boxes in reducing trauma and stigma for them too.
The highlight of the event was the box packing, where attendees had the opportunity to pack boxes which will go to mothers and babies facing separation close to birth. Everyone got involved to volunteer for this amazing cause.
HOPE Boxes contain:
- Blanket: Given to the baby to use and handed back to their birth mother to get the scent of their baby and for the baby to have a blanket that smells of their mother.
- Box for a wisp of baby’s hair: A precious keepsake for the mothers.
- Clay photo frame: To make an imprint of the baby’s foot and/or hand as a keepsake.
- Hello baby book: Where baby’s milestones can be recorded by whoever is caring for them to ensure the birthing mother can remain connected to her baby.
- Certificate of life: To record baby’s birth details for the mother to keep as the birth certificate is given to the care giver.
- Poem of hope: Words of encouragement for mothers during a distressing time written by HOPE mothers.
- Guess How Much I Love You book: A touching story to be read to the baby and for the mother to record reading using the SD card to share with her baby.
- SD card: To keep pictures and videos.
- Cot card and band: Keepsakes for the birthing mother to keep.
- Seeds: Symbolising growth and new beginnings.
- HOPE Candle: A symbol of hope.
- Elephant teddy: Because an elephant never forgets, as a mother won’t forget their baby regardless of where they grow up.
- Leaflets: Information on resources such as the Family Rights Group.
Learn more about HOPE Boxes on the Giving HOPE website: https://www.givinghope.org.uk