- Amma, Immigration, Media
PRESS RELEASE: JUNE 21, 2022
Amma Birth Companions has been awarded Maternity Service of Sanctuary status, recognising its support and welcome for people seeking sanctuary. The title, the first of its kind in Scotland, was awarded by City of Sanctuary UK, a nationally coordinated network of organisations and services, including councils, universities, theatres and libraries that welcome and support refugees and people seeking asylum.
Since May 2019, Amma Birth Companions has supported more than 175 parents who are refugees, asylum-seekers, and survivors of human trafficking. The charity provides information, care, and advocacy throughout the perinatal period, with services that span birth and postnatal companionship, peer support, and education.
“This award is all about recognising the maternity services who go above and beyond to support and welcome refugees and people seeking asylum. Amma Birth Companions work ensures people feel seen, informed and empowered in all aspects of their birth experience. Their work truly changes lives.”
-Siân Summer Rees, Chief Officer
“As an organisation, our main aim is to ensure that everyone, regardless of language, race, or immigration status, receives the care and support they deserve during pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood. We are honoured to receive Maternity Service of Sanctuary status and will continue striving to achieve safe, nurturing, and equitable care for every client we serve.”
– Maree Aldam, CEO, Amma Birth Companions
Maternity Services of Sanctuary is a programme run by City of Sanctuary UK. This programme is a national network of refugee charities, people with lived experience of the asylum system, midwives, healthworkers, educators and researchers. Together they are working to raise awareness within maternity services of the issues facing refugee families, ensuring more people get the support they need in the journey from pregnancy to parenthood.