A full year has passed since Amma became part of Scotland’s charity sector—and what a year it has been. In the space of 12 months, we’ve welcomed 15 dedicated birth companions to our team; supported nearly 30 women through pregnancy, birth and early motherhood; and been inspired by the many individuals and organisations who have championed our work.
To mark the occasion, we reached out to the people who sit at the heart of what we do: our Amma mamas, our birth companions, and our volunteers. We posed the question: What does Amma mean to you? And we were completely blown away by the response.
At a time when the world is filled with so much uncertainty, we feel it’s important to share positive news whenever we can. So grab yourself a cuppa—and possibly a box of tissues—and prepare to have your heart well and truly warmed.
A message from one of our Amma mamas, Mary:
"Amma for me is the fulfilment of an idea which was born back in 2017. I couldn't have envisioned then where we are today, nor could I have known that so many amazing people would become a part of who we are today. My idea was to replace myself as I was more or less working alone and feeling unable to keep up the support that was needed for so many women who found themselves pregnant and alone in a foreign country. And here we are. It is our first birthday of being a recognised Scottish charity and what was an idea is well and truly a reality. We couldn't have wished for a more caring and loving group of women to have come together to support and care for the many women who have been, and still are, in need. Thank you so much to all of our volunteers, birth companions, mentors and our committee, without whom, Amma wouldn't be where we are today. I would love to shout out everyone's name but that would take too long, but you know your name and the part that you have played. Thank you so very much for being the caring people that you are and for making Amma a reality. You make my heart sing."
"When I think Amma, the song 'You'll never walk alone' comes to mind. I was in a difficult place, meant to get prenatal support from Amma and things didn't quite work out the way they were meant to. But guess what - Amma still came through for me postnatally. I'm super appreciative of these awesome women and I would like to give back in any way I can."
"I really have no words. It must be hard at times to be a volunteer. It takes... a lot. Generosity, a willingness to give your time to others. Understanding, because their lives might be very different and difficult from your own. Empathy, an ability to put yourself in someone else's shoes and feel what they must feel. Compassion, to truly care about making someone else's life better. Patience, because the process doesn't always go as smoothly as it might. Dedication, to stick with the project and see it through. You've shown these qualities and so much more, so thank you for all that you have done. My words cannot say it because I don’t really know what to say. I’m alone here miles away from home, no one else, but you guys were already positioned to fill that up in many vulnerable people lives and it’s because of you guys that we have much hope in life today. I pray that this Amma organisation go far and be successful I pray that it goes worldwide too. I’m really blessed. I don’t know what I have done to deserve this but thank you guys."
"Amma means angels to me. Amma is family to me. Am so happy to have known Amma and am so grateful to them for all they do. Sometimes I wonder why they do what they do, how do they get paid and how can I also be useful to them. Amma is so selfless, supportive, kind, caring, loving, helpful in every way you need help. Great, friendly, caring, passionate, down to earth staff and they do a great job. Amma has really helped me in so many ways. I dont know what I would have done without them. When I was going to have my baby they stood by me. I have no family or friends but Amma was there for me even after I had my son, even until now they still standing by me, that why I call them family. I just want to say a BIG THANK YOU TO AMMA. I don't know how to pay you back for all you do for me and my son. I could not be more satisfied with them. Thank you again, I am grateful."
"When I was pregnant, I was very depressed because there was nobody to help me and my husband was busy with our other kids. Then somebody told me about Amma and then I contacted them and they arranged a birth companion for me. She helped me a lot on any point and I didn't feel I am alone here. I found her really helpful and caring. I am very thankful to Amma who supported me when I really needed it."
Our sincere thanks go to everyone who took the time to share a response. There is no better way to understand our impact than to hear about it firsthand from the people we support and work alongside every day, so thank you. We can’t wait to see all that we will have achieved together this time next year.
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A study conducted by Amma Birth Companions has found instances of discrimination, high rates of intervention, and issues with interpretation and communication that contribute to disparities in perinatal care for women seeking asylum, refugees, and those with varied immigration statuses.
When we moved into our new office in June 2023, it was a huge, empty, white space. Since then we’ve been making the space feel more and more like a home – with new walls and doors built for us by Top Drawer Joinery , cosy furnishings, our Amma signature colours, photos and art, and of course plenty of toys for the kids.
The last exciting part of this process has been a series of wall decorations and murals by our wonderful long-term collaborator Alice Dansey-Wright.
Glasgow-based charity Amma Birth Companions has won a major national award for its work to improve the health, wellbeing, and birthing experiences of pregnant women facing vulnerable circumstances, including individuals seeking asylum and refugees.
Following a rigorous selection and assessment process, Amma Birth Companions was chosen from more than 500 charities across the UK as one of the 10 winners of the 2024 GSK IMPACT Awards, which are delivered in partnership with The King’s Fund. Now in its 27th year, the awards are a mark of excellence in the charity sector, designed to recognise the outstanding work of small and medium-sized charities working to improve people’s health and wellbeing in the UK.
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