Today saw the launch of the Giving HOPE project which began at Lancaster University, was developed from the Born into Care research series led by Lancaster Born into Care with research undertaken by the Centre for Child and Family Justice Research.
At the heart of this initiative are the HOPE Boxes – a therapeutic, cross-agency offer designed to support mothers and babies separated close to birth due to safeguarding concerns.
Created in collaboration with women with lived experience, the HOPE Boxes – one for the mother and one for the baby – contain carefully chosen items to provide comfort, reduce trauma, and offer support through the challenges of the child protection and family justice systems.
Giving HOPE (Hold On, Pain Eases) is a not-for-profit social enterprise dedicated to reducing the trauma experienced by mothers and babies separated close to birth due to safeguarding concerns
The HOPE Boxes are both a gift from mother to mother and a resource to support practitioners in delivering trauma-informed and compassionate care.
Social Workers, midwives and care providers all came together to hear first hand from two Hope Mothers with lived experience, and to make up some Hope Boxes together.
Milorad Vasic, Director of Children's Services said: " Hearing from the Hope Mothers was incredibly powerful for all our teams, as was making up the Hope Boxes together. An important day, marking this milestone as we work to together to support mothers and families."
Councillor Janet Battye, Cabinet Member for Children's Services said: "We are proud to be working in partnership with the Giving HOPE project to launch this important initiative which gives mothers and families support and hope in a very difficult time."
To find out more https://www.givinghope.org.uk/