Vulnerable mums in the Scottish Borders who need extra support are set to benefit from a new project, thanks to a grant from the Big Lottery Fund.
Nurture the Borders CIC has just been awarded just over £9000 from the Communities and Families Fund for the Mum Mentoring pilot, which will match vulnerable expectant mothers and new mothers with a trained mum and baby mentor.
Rosie Kennedy, Director of Nurture the Borders, said: “Pregnancy and becoming a new mum is not always easy, but with support the journey can be a lot better. In our new project, trained Mum Mentors will offer free practical and emotional support to new mums and mums-to-be who need additional support for various reasons. The mentors will work with the mothers during pregnancy and birth, and during the baby’s first few months.”
The aim of the project is to help mum and baby to have the best possible start by:
- helping to improve the health and well-being of mums and babies
- promoting healthy lifestyle choices and access to services
- helping to increase rates and duration of breastfeeding
- increasing access to community support and reducing isolation
- moving mums away from dependency by supporting them to become confident and independent mums
- developing a mentoring support model that can be rolled out across the Scottish Borders.
Nurture the Borders was founded by a group of mothers in the Scottish Borders for the benefit of local parents and children. It aims to ensure that all new parents in the Borders feel fully supported, included within the community, and are equipped and confident to make the best choices for their babies and themselves.
Mums who would like to find out more about the project should contact Nurture the Borders on 07803515994, e-mail rosie@nurturetheborders.com or visit www.nurturetheborders.com
Note to Editors
- Nurture the Borders is a Community Interest Company (CIC) – a ‘not-for-profit’ social enterprise, which was established in 2014.
- As a CIC, Nurture the Borders legally required to reinvest profits into the work it does for the community. Profits and assets are used for the benefit of parents, particularly those who may be disadvantaged as a result of social, health or emotional difficulties.
- The Communities and Families Fund has a budget of £4.5 million from The Scottish Government and £1.5 million from the Big Lottery Fund. Groups can apply for funding from £250 to £10,000.
