Pregnancy Matters™ Archives - Life https://lifecharity.org.uk/news-and-views-tag/pregnancy-matters/ Creating a world where no one faces pregnancy or pregnancy loss alone Wed, 18 Sep 2024 12:45:09 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://lifecharity.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Life-Logo-RGB@small.png Pregnancy Matters™ Archives - Life https://lifecharity.org.uk/news-and-views-tag/pregnancy-matters/ 32 32 “He made me who I am today”: What Olympians say about parenting https://lifecharity.org.uk/news-and-views/he-made-me-who-i-am-today-what-olympians-say-about-parenting/ https://lifecharity.org.uk/news-and-views/he-made-me-who-i-am-today-what-olympians-say-about-parenting/#respond Tue, 13 Aug 2024 07:43:36 +0000 https://lifecharity.org.uk/?post_type=news-and-views&p=1115481 The 2024 Paris Olympic Games have not been without controversy, but one thing we can safely say we are heartened to see is that stories of parenthood have taken centre stage in so many interviews and media stories. And, for the first time ever, there was a nursery in the athlete’s village!  Allyson Felix, the... Read more »

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The 2024 Paris Olympic Games have not been without controversy, but one thing we can safely say we are heartened to see is that stories of parenthood have taken centre stage in so many interviews and media stories. And, for the first time ever, there was a nursery in the athlete’s village! 

Allyson Felix, the most decorated female track and field Olympian ever, was instrumental in setting up the nursery, to provide a quiet environment and support for athletes who are parenting young children. The nursery featured a private breastfeeding area and its existence showed a great respect for parenthood, boldly stating to the onlooking world: parenthood is no barrier to success. 

“He made me who I am today” 

Joe Clarke, Olympic Slalom Canoeist, credits his young son after winning a silver medal 

Olympic fencer Nada Hafez announced on her social media during the games that there was in fact an extra person on the platform with her, as she was competing while seven months pregnant! Every pregnancy is different, but for Nada it was safe and possible to do this and so she didn’t have to put her dreams on hold while carrying a child. 

Amber Rutter, sharp-shooting women’s skeet silver-medallist came to the games without her three-month baby Tommy, as she felt that she needed to focus on her sport and it would be hard to be in mum-mode as well as battling it out in the greatest sporting games on the planet. Her husband James respected her need to throw herself into her mission, and to her surprise and joy, he also understood her need to be close to her young son in this special moment in her life. He followed her to Paris, waited secretly in the wings so Amber could focus on the games, before reuniting mother and baby as soon as she’d won silver! 

Everyone experiences pregnancy and parenthood differently. For the incredible stories arising from Olympians, there is always a foundation of the loving support of spouses, coaches, family and friends as well as an understanding of the importance of parenting and work/life balance even at the top echelons of sport. 

Not every woman is fortunate enough to have the support around her to make pregnancy, birth and parenthood or adoption as easy and joyful as it can be. Life Charity are here to change that. 

Offering the support a woman needs, right from wondering whether she is pregnant, through free counselling, practical support and even housing, we want to be here to every step of the journey into motherhood. 

If you or someone you know is pregnant in unexpected or crisis circumstances, contact our free national helpline here. We’re here for you before, during and after pregnancy or pregnancy loss. Whoever you are and whatever your circumstance, Life will walk with you on your journey. 

 Photo: Amber Rutter, Olympic silver medallist in Women’s Skeet Shooting, BBC News. 

If you are interested in supporting Life’s work, see how you can get involved here.

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Pregnant after assault: A courageous story https://lifecharity.org.uk/news-and-views/pregnant-after-assault-a-courageous-story/ https://lifecharity.org.uk/news-and-views/pregnant-after-assault-a-courageous-story/#respond Thu, 08 Aug 2024 14:11:00 +0000 https://lifecharity.org.uk/?post_type=news-and-views&p=1115470 We want to take a moment to sincerely thank Natalie Fleet MP for her extraordinary courage, after hearing her story on BBC News revealing that she became pregnant after assault. Ms Fleet has opened up about becoming pregnant at 15 after being groomed and raped by an older man. She says that, despite the man... Read more »

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We want to take a moment to sincerely thank Natalie Fleet MP for her extraordinary courage, after hearing her story on BBC News revealing that she became pregnant after assault.

Ms Fleet has opened up about becoming pregnant at 15 after being groomed and raped by an older man.

She says that, despite the man telling her to have an abortion, she chose to continue with the pregnancy and gave birth to her daughter, now 23, who she says is the “absolute love of my life”.

Ms Fleet says, “I really want to be a voice for all of those people, all of those women that have children in far from ideal circumstances.”

There are over 3,000 conceptions every year from rape. Becoming pregnant after assault, which is a terrible and traumatic event, is an indescribably difficult situation to be in. Life offers free, qualified, non-judgmental counselling and skilled listening to anyone experiencing unexpected pregnancy and we are keen to spread the word about our services in order to reach any woman who needs support.

Life works hard to reach every woman in the UK who finds herself in an unexpected or crisis pregnancy, or who needs someone to talk to due to pregnancy loss or any of the many circumstances surrounding this issue.

Our National Helpline counsellors and skilled listeners are qualified, compassionate and impartial. We also have support services that go further than the free counselling we offer.

We help tens of thousands of women every year through our services. All the way from mailing out free, discreet pregnancy tests to offering housing in one of our 19 multiple-occupancy Life houses for pregnant women and those with a baby. We want to create a world where no one faces pregnancy or pregnancy loss alone.

Life offers a heartfelt thank you to Natalie Fleet MP for having the courage and determination to tell this story. We believe it will encourage other women to seek support, no matter what the situation.

Get in touch with Life here if you are looking for support, help us spread the word by sharing our news and social media posts, or by signing up to our mailing list.

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“It’s amazing how rewarding volunteering is!” https://lifecharity.org.uk/news-and-views/amazing-rewarding-volunteering/ https://lifecharity.org.uk/news-and-views/amazing-rewarding-volunteering/#respond Tue, 30 May 2023 08:32:52 +0000 https://lifecharity.org.uk/?post_type=news-and-views&p=1109022 How long have you been volunteering, and what do you do at Life? I’ve been volunteering teaching weekly or fortnightly cooking life skills since around August 2022. What do you most enjoy about volunteering for Life? I love getting to know the girls and their babies, earning their trust and bonding with them over cooking!... Read more »

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How long have you been volunteering, and what do you do at Life?

I’ve been volunteering teaching weekly or fortnightly cooking life skills since around August 2022.

What do you most enjoy about volunteering for Life?

I love getting to know the girls and their babies, earning their trust and bonding with them over cooking!

What has been your best volunteering moment?

The loveliest time has been meeting one client who was pregnant throughout our cooking sessions, seeing her pregnancy progress and then finally meeting her baby for the first time! That was very special.

What’s one interesting thing about this role that someone might not know?

It’s amazing how rewarding volunteering is –  seeing the clients grow in confidence in the kitchen is fantastic!

What advice would you give to anyone considering this volunteer role?

Definitely go for it! It’s very fulfilling and enjoyable to meet new people and feel you are making a difference.

Thank you for all you do, Oli!

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Interview with a Life House volunteer https://lifecharity.org.uk/news-and-views/interview-with-a-life-house-volunteer/ https://lifecharity.org.uk/news-and-views/interview-with-a-life-house-volunteer/#respond Fri, 04 Feb 2022 16:23:13 +0000 https://lifewebsite.lifecrm.org.uk/?post_type=news-and-views&p=1016308 How long have you been a volunteer with Life? I had my first session in the house in April 2021 so around nine months.  How did you hear about the volunteer role? Through my church – there was an advert in our newsletter asking for volunteers for specific roles in our local Life House so... Read more »

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Littlehampton Volunteer

How long have you been a volunteer with Life?

I had my first session in the house in April 2021 so around nine months. 

How did you hear about the volunteer role?

Through my church – there was an advert in our newsletter asking for volunteers for specific roles in our local Life House so I asked for my details to be passed on. Then I met up with the Support Worker to have a chat about what it would involve and we went from there.  

What do you most enjoy about volunteering in the Life House?

I’ve really enjoyed simply spending time with the women and the children, chatting about how they are getting on and watching the children grow and develop. I also like the feeling of playing even a small part in something that is making a positive difference to their lives. 

What has been your best moment?

One moment I remember is when we were doing a play activity that I had prepared for the women and children to do together. One of the children was a little unsure to begin with and took a while to join in but after a while she really got stuck in and you could hear the pride in her Mum’s voice as she watched her do something new – as a Mum myself I know that little moments like that can create special memories so it was nice to part of that! 

How has the role impacted you?

I have found the courage and strength of the women I have met really inspiring and motivating. Being in a supported house environment, the enjoyment I got from it and the welcome I received encouraged me to apply for employment in a similar setting and I believe that the experience I got from volunteering contributed to me being successful in that! 

What would you say to anyone considering applying to be a volunteer with Life?

Definitely take the step to find out more and have a chat to someone about how you could get involved. It doesn’t have to be a huge time commitment and it could open up a whole realm of experience and opportunity. Life is a fantastic organisation to be part of and you will get a lovely welcome! 

What the Support Worker (Francesca) said

Volunteering works both ways, its not always just beneficial for the clients but also for the person volunteering. She has been a joy to have in the house, full of ideas and encouraging the clients to try news things and opening their eyes to new opportunities.”

What one of the Life House mums said

“She gave us lots of help and some really good parenting tips.” The volunteer has just secured a job working in a women’s refuge and the Life House mum said, “We wish her luck in her new role, they are very lucky to have her!”

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Crawley Life House tenants grow in confidence through cooking sessions https://lifecharity.org.uk/news-and-views/crawley-life-house-tenants-grow-in-confidence-through-cooking-sessions/ https://lifecharity.org.uk/news-and-views/crawley-life-house-tenants-grow-in-confidence-through-cooking-sessions/#respond Fri, 10 Dec 2021 12:00:37 +0000 https://lifewebsite.lifecrm.org.uk/?post_type=news-and-views&p=1015955 One life skill that’s vital for this transition is cooking. Working with a volunteer from the charity IMPACT, the Crawley Life House tenants receive cooking sessions. These sessions help the clients to: Learn new skills, and build confidence in growing outside their comfort zone. Try new foods, adapt meals, and cook homemade meals. Build confidence,... Read more »

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One life skill that’s vital for this transition is cooking.

Working with a volunteer from the charity IMPACT, the Crawley Life House tenants receive cooking sessions. These sessions help the clients to:

  • Learn new skills, and build confidence in growing outside their comfort zone.
  • Try new foods, adapt meals, and cook homemade meals.
  • Build confidence, self-esteem, and independence.

The volunteer delivered the sessions over WhatsApp during COVID-19. Below are some of the meals the tenants cooked, with ingredients some of them had never tried before. Congratulations!

 

One of the tenants said:

“I love how we all have a role to play during the sessions and how we get the recipes sent to us as well. I learnt skills I will take with me when I move into my own place to be able to cook meals on my own and independently.”

A new tenant said:

“It’s great to spent time getting to know the other tenants while cooking.”

A quote from a client who hadn’t eaten a leek before:

“It’s really nice.”

Another tenant said:

“I enjoyed learning to cook a variety of different foods like the fish pie.”

It’s vital that tenants learn skills that they take into independent living. So we were particularly delighted to see this quote and photo from a tenant who remade the recipe after they moved out:

I did it girls 😊

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Life House tenants flourish with Life Skills programme https://lifecharity.org.uk/news-and-views/life-house-tenants-flourish-with-life-skills-programme/ https://lifecharity.org.uk/news-and-views/life-house-tenants-flourish-with-life-skills-programme/#respond Sun, 07 Nov 2021 13:00:10 +0000 https://lifewebsite.lifecrm.org.uk/?post_type=news-and-views&p=1015947 In March, the Littlehampton Life House was awarded £1,000 from Tesco Bags to run a Life Skills programme in the House. The aim is to benefit the women and children living in the House, increasing positive mental health and well-being. It also helps get them ready to transition to independent living with their child. The... Read more »

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In March, the Littlehampton Life House was awarded £1,000 from Tesco Bags to run a Life Skills programme in the House. The aim is to benefit the women and children living in the House, increasing positive mental health and well-being. It also helps get them ready to transition to independent living with their child.

The house already had a volunteer for the garden. Early this year they also recruited another volunteer to support with this Life Skills programme.

Having fun and enhancing well-being

So far the clients have benefited from gardening sessions, cooking, and play activities. These are delivered inside the House and in the back garden highlighting the importance of fresh air. The sessions provide a good opportunity for the clients to spend quality time with their children having fun. The sessions also support support their children’s physical and emotional well-being. One client said, “I am looking forward to doing more activities.”

Making musical instruments was an especially popular session – dancing and singing were enjoyed by all.

Growing by trying new things

For one client with anxiety, the play sessions allowed her to try new experiences with the volunteer’s support. For another client, cooking was an opportunity for their child to taste new food that had been grown. She said, “She really liked it, and ate it all!”

The clients get involved with planning for the activities. Even better, they’ve started to initiate play sessions together during the week. They have seen the importance of play for them and their children.

Learning skills for independent living

COVID-19 and lockdown had brought added pressures to the clients living in the Life Houses. They particularly felt the effects on their mental health and felt isolated from their families. The Life Skills grant has allowed the clients to use some of this time to decorate rooms and overhaul the garden. Having a living environment that they like being in has great positive effects, while also preparing them with skills for independent living.

Support Workers and volunteers also get involved in the sessions, and it creates an opportunity for conversation, laughing, and socialising together. For new clients it creates a relaxed environment to get to know other clients. One lady who had experienced low mood this year said that the garden session was “therapeutic and good for my baby to be outside.”

Plans for the rest of the Life Skills programme include:

  • Cooking sessions
  • Play sessions
  • Garden sessions
  • Community outings
  • Monthly house coffee mornings

The Life Skills session volunteer says, “I am really grateful for the opportunity to come in and I look forward to trying out some other activities.”

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Yvette finds acceptance, kindness, and friendship in her Life House https://lifecharity.org.uk/news-and-views/yvette-finds-acceptance-kindness-and-friendship-in-her-life-house/ https://lifecharity.org.uk/news-and-views/yvette-finds-acceptance-kindness-and-friendship-in-her-life-house/#respond Wed, 20 Oct 2021 12:00:10 +0000 https://lifewebsite.lifecrm.org.uk/?post_type=news-and-views&p=1015944 A courageous decision Yvette* is 19 years old. She was living with her family until it wasn’t suitable for her and her child anymore. Making the decision to leave her family home was just the start of her journey with her child. Following her acceptance into the Life House, Yvette was faced with a mixture... Read more »

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A courageous decision

Yvette* is 19 years old. She was living with her family until it wasn’t suitable for her and her child anymore. Making the decision to leave her family home was just the start of her journey with her child.

Following her acceptance into the Life House, Yvette was faced with a mixture of emotions – including excitement, fear, guilt, and apprehension. On move-in day she questioned herself. “Is this the right decision?” For her, making the first steps through the front door into the Life House was one of the scariest things she had experienced. It took all her willpower not to change her mind. That first night was the hardest.

The beauty of kindness

Although Life House tenants receive ongoing help from a Support Worker during their time with Life, they also receive huge kindness and support from those other tenants living with them in the House. For Yvette, the knock on her door on the first morning to see if she was okay, the offer to cook her dinner on her first weekend, the support to show her how to use the washing machine, and the simple words of “Would you like to come to town with us?” were huge in her eyes.

Tenants living in the Life Houses can often relate to some of the emotions and feelings a new tenant may be experiencing. One tenant who has been living at the House for six months said, “These were the things that other girls did for me when I first moved in. So I thought it would be nice to do the same as she is new. I have said she can always just knock on my door.”

Small things matter. Being included in the Christmas take-away evening. Having her child’s foot prints added to the House canvas (see right). Being invited to watch films with the other tenants. These all meant a lot to Yvette. She says, “Everyone here is so lovely.” For a tenant who often struggled with meeting new people and making friendships, she was welcomed into the House by the others with no judgment, just acceptance. One tenant commented, “She fits right in with us.”

She won’t face her journey alone

Today I, the Support Worker, walk into the Life House to see Yvette. I find her in the kitchen with all the other women smiling, laughing, and joining in with a biscuit decorating activity. This is only the start of her journey, and the coming months will bring new and different challenges. However, the courage she has shown to take those first steps, combined with the support from Life, and the acceptance and friendship shown by the other tenants will be the foundations she needs. She won’t face her journey alone.

*Please note that all names have been changed.

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Women transform their lives in Life Houses https://lifecharity.org.uk/news-and-views/women-transform-their-lives-in-life-houses/ https://lifecharity.org.uk/news-and-views/women-transform-their-lives-in-life-houses/#respond Mon, 27 Sep 2021 16:00:12 +0000 https://lifewebsite.lifecrm.org.uk/?post_type=news-and-views&p=1015942 Poet and civil rights activist Maya Angelou said, “We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.” In our Life Houses, women transform and change their lives. Mia* was 19 years old when she moved into a Life House. She had a one-year-old... Read more »

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Poet and civil rights activist Maya Angelou said,

“We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.”

In our Life Houses, women transform and change their lives.

Mia* was 19 years old when she moved into a Life House. She had a one-year-old girl, and she was studying a part-time beauty therapy course whilst also working part-time. Mia had been living in a cramped and busy household with her family, and she often struggled to find a space to study. When she moved into the Life House, it enabled her to continue with her study in a more relaxed environment. She continued to go to college every week and work towards her qualification.

Mia inspires other Life House residents to pursue their dreams

Little did Mia know that she had become a role model for the other tenants in the House, after they witnessed first hand how it was possible to successfully juggle motherhood, college, and work.

Seeing Mia, Zoe* (another client), said, “I also want to go back to college and do something I love.” The Support Worker researched local colleges with her to see what types of courses were available. She had a passion for make up, and they soon found a course in Theatre Make Up. With the encouragement of the other tenants and the Support Worker she applied, and was successful in obtaining a place for September 2021. Congratulations Zoe!

Many Life Housing clients have dreams, and often need the support and encouragement to pursue them. Natasha* was also another client in the House and had been visiting local nurseries for her daughter. Natasha had found school a challenge but she really wanted to achieve something that she felt passionate about. So she decided that she would start a course to become a Teaching Assistant. With her daughter now in nursery, she had some more time to study and work towards her qualification.

Transformed lives

This month Mia has passed her Level 2 Beauty Therapy and has found a part-time job in a salon. Congratulations Mia! She’s due to move out of the Life House soon, and start the next chapter in her life. For the other women, they are just starting the journey of studying. For all women in Life Houses, the’re encouraged to pursue their passions and those around them instil in them that they can do it!

*Please note that all named have been changed.

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Life client gives birth to six-month baby weighing the same as a bag of sugar https://lifecharity.org.uk/news-and-views/life-client-gives-birth-to-six-month-baby-weighing-the-same-as-a-bag-of-sugar/ https://lifecharity.org.uk/news-and-views/life-client-gives-birth-to-six-month-baby-weighing-the-same-as-a-bag-of-sugar/#respond Fri, 30 Apr 2021 14:11:34 +0000 https://lifewebsite.lifecrm.org.uk/?post_type=news-and-views&p=1013183 One of Life’s clients gave birth three months early at our House. The baby weighed 1k – the same as a bag of sugar! The Life Support Worker was there and did an amazing job supporting the client through a very traumatic time. We’re pleased to say both mum and baby are doing well!

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One of Life’s clients gave birth three months early at our House. The baby weighed 1k – the same as a bag of sugar!

The Life Support Worker was there and did an amazing job supporting the client through a very traumatic time.

We’re pleased to say both mum and baby are doing well!

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A peek inside one of our Houses at Easter https://lifecharity.org.uk/news-and-views/a-peek-inside-one-of-our-houses-at-easter/ https://lifecharity.org.uk/news-and-views/a-peek-inside-one-of-our-houses-at-easter/#respond Mon, 19 Apr 2021 09:15:19 +0000 https://lifewebsite.lifecrm.org.uk/?post_type=news-and-views&p=1013137 Imagine being homeless and pregnant, or homeless with a new-born baby. You’re unsupported. You’re alone. You’re not safe. You don’t know where to go, or what to do. That’s where Life’s Houses come in. Our network of supported accommodation across the country gives them a roof over their heads. Our Life Skills programme also ensures... Read more »

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Imagine being homeless and pregnant, or homeless with a new-born baby.

You’re unsupported. You’re alone. You’re not safe. You don’t know where to go, or what to do.

That’s where Life’s Houses come in. Our network of supported accommodation across the country gives them a roof over their heads. Our Life Skills programme also ensures that mums can live independently and confidently care for their children once they leave our care.

Their time in the House is like a refuge or safe harbour for them to get back on their feet. And it’s in these Houses that little stories like these happen.

In our Taunton house, the mums, their babies, and the Support Worker, Michelle Durand, enjoyed an Easter cream tea together.

It was so lovely seeing them relaxed and laughing,” said Michelle.

One of the baby girls was turning one. The night before her birthday her 18 year old mum, with help from another tenant, stayed up late icing this beautiful cake.

They’d baked the cake two days before with one of Life’s volunteers. This is all part of the mums learning to take care of themselves and their little one.

They copied the design from a picture she’d seen and liked. She’d never done anything like this before, so this was a big step forward for her!

Vicky O’Brien, Link Four Manager, said simply, “We are so proud of our tenants.

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