Cornwall Volunteer Birth Partner Project

For the past 7 years, Elayos has been supporting women and birthing people in Birmingham who find themselves experiencing hardship and isolation throughout pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. Many of whom have no one to be with them during labour and delivery. 

We have seen how compassionate support empowers families in urban Birmingham. Now, we have the exciting opportunity to introduce that proven model to the unique challenges of rural Cornwall and we are excited for you to join us on this mission! 

Cornwall is famous for its beautiful coastlines but less so, for the deprivation that impacts many of the people who live there, creating severe barriers for vulnerable pregnant women during a time where stability is needed more than ever. 

⚠️ Child Poverty: More than 27,000 children and young people in Cornwall live in relative poverty. That’s approximately six pupils in an average school class of 25.

⚠️ Isolation & Access: The impact of rural transport barriers on accessing healthcare. One woman in our research survey reported a 5 1/2 hour round trip to attend her hospital appointments.

⚠️ Vulnerability: Pregnancy can escalate domestic abuse; nationally, 1 in 3 pregnant women experience domestic abuse, and 40% of homeless women cite it as a contributory factor to their homelessness. Like Birmingham, Cornwall has high rates of women and birthing people experiencing domestic violence, substance misuse, single parents, teenage pregnancy, homelessness; many of whom are facing birth alone.

Every woman deserves to feel supported, empowered, and safe during pregnancy, birth, and early motherhood.

So come and join us as we begin this transformative journey here in Cornwall. 

We are grateful for any donations received no matter how big or small. Your donation will directly go to making our service possible. 

Here is a breakdown of what your gifts will go towards...

£500 would provide weekly support to one vulnerable mother throughout pregnancy, birth and the early postnatal period. 

A donation of £25 would fund one of those visits. 

Thank you for joining us on our mission!