Safe Mothers Initiative outreach activity

Safe Mothers Initiative community support

Safe Mothers Initiative supporting mothers

Give a mother your time

Our field work is carried out by people who live in the communities they serve. There is a role here whether you have a professional qualification or simply an afternoon a week.

Roles

Where we need people

Community outreach

Door to door sensitisation, market outreaches and school talks. Training provided. Krio essential.

In person, Freetown and surrounding communities

Support group facilitation

Helping run monthly groups for mothers. Requires our facilitation training and a safeguarding check.

In person, monthly commitment

WhatsApp peer support

Moderating our nationwide peer groups, welcoming new mothers and flagging anyone who needs more help.

Remote, flexible hours

Health professionals

Midwives, nurses and counsellors who can deliver training sessions or supervise our volunteers.

In person or remote

Communications and design

Photography, social media, translation into Krio, and producing IEC materials.

Remote, project based

Fundraising and grants

Grant writing, donor research and event support. Useful from anywhere in the world.

Remote

Before you apply

What we ask, and what you get

Eligibility

18 or over
Two references
A safeguarding check for any role involving direct contact with mothers or children
Willingness to complete our induction and confidentiality training

What you get

Training in maternal mental health and safeguarding
A written reference after six months
Supervision and a named point of contact
Transport costs for approved field work are reimbursed

A word about difficult conversations

Volunteering here means hearing hard things. Some mothers will tell you about violence at home, or about thoughts of harming themselves. You will never be expected to handle that alone, and we will train you on exactly what to do and who to call.

If that feels like too much right now, that is a completely reasonable answer, and there are remote roles above that do not involve it.

Apply

Volunteer application

Full name

Email address

Phone number

Where are you based?

Which role interests you?

How much time can you give? For example, one Saturday a month, or two evenings a week.

Tell us a little about yourself Why this work, and anything relevant you have done before.

I am happy for SMI to hold and use this information to consider my application, as described in the privacy policy.

Separately, I would like email updates about SMI's work.

We aim to reply within 2 working days. Applications are kept for 24 months and then deleted.

Volunteer questions

Common questions

Do I need medical training?

No. Most of our volunteers are not medical. We train you in what you need for your role.

Can I volunteer from abroad?

Yes. Peer support moderation, communications, translation and fundraising all work remotely.

Is it paid?

Volunteer roles are unpaid. Transport costs for approved field work are reimbursed.

What if I have experienced PPD myself?

Many of our best volunteers have. We will talk with you about timing and support before you start.