Let’s Talk Programme

The Devon MNVP Let’s Talk programme was delivered in partnership with Action for Children at South Hams Children’s Centre. The four-week programme gave women and birthing people (and children under five) an opportunity to meet and socialise, to get information and advice, and to reflect and share their maternity experiences and feedback.

Hard to reach communities

Nine families joined the first programme in August 2022, referred to us by the Children’s Centre. Some were part of a targeted intervention from South Hams Children’s Centre and many represented a demographic that we do not often reach. None of those who attended knew about Devon MNVP but they all had a story to tell and valuable insight to share.

A much-needed space for socialising and support

In Totnes the number of baby groups or new mum support groups can be counted on one hand. So, this programme provided a much needed safe space for families to socialise, share their experiences and receive support each week.

Talking and creating family journals

During the first week of the programme DMNVP used a family journaling exercise to explore people’s expectations versus reality around pregnancy, birth, welcoming a new child and maternity care. In week two the group talked about the things they were thankful for and added this to the family journals; this led to some deeper discussions around maternity care. In the third week the focus was on working with families to think about next steps and postnatal support, with more collage and journal work. In the fourth and final week, DMNVP shared information about further services, and the group created family hand and footprints in the journals, and celebrated completing the programme.

Valuable insight

Through connecting and listening to these families, DMNVP was able to gain valuable insight about their experiences, which helped identify common themes and how these impact on families from different socio-economic backgrounds.