Leeds Haamla Service to develop a volunteer doula service.
The Haamla Service, is based in the Obstetric Department at St James’s Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust and works within the maternity Services at both sites St James’s and Leeds General Infirmary and in the local community.
‘Haamla’ is an Urdu and Arabic word meaning ‘with child’ or ‘pregnant woman’. It is a unique service that offers befriending and advocacy support to vulnerable women from Black and Minority Ethnic communities including Asylum Seekers and Refugees. With the aim of empowering women to informed choice during their maternity care and also to meet cultural, faith, language and individual needs during this very important time in their life.
Haamla was established as a project initially by Leeds Family Health Service (FHSA) with only three years funding in 1994 in order to support Asian women during their maternity care period. It has since grown into a service that provides help and support to women from various Black and Minority Ethnic communities.
Shaista Khan, Project Co-ordinator, will be managing the new service. Please Use our contact form if you are interested in volunteering for the Leeds service.
