Get the postnatal support you need.
MAYA provides peer-to-peer support for new mums as they start their motherhood journey. Feel prepared with your own afterbirth plan to gently ease you into those early weeks and months with your baby. Feel heard and reassured – without judgement – by other mums who are further along. Feel at ease in the comfort of your own home to offload informally with someone who truly ‘gets it’
MAYA’s Approach – 1-2-1
At the heart of MAYA’s support is the creation of a nurturing community for all new mothers. This journey begins by connecting you with a fellow mum peer who has walked the path you’re now on.
MAYA will take care to match expecting mums with their peer volunteer according to your preferences. We ensure background safety checks, references and ask that all peers have at least one child under the age of five to be best placed to support you as a new mum. All volunteers also attend postnatal peer support training to promote empathic, non-judgmental, relaxed listening visits to their new-mum peers.
You’ll have an introduction to your peer support while you’re pregnant. Here, you can talk through what you want their support to look like. Once your baby arrives, and when you’re ready, weekly catch ups are on offer along with a doorstop drop-off of a curated goody bag filled with nourishing treats.
Beyond the goodies, your 1-2-1 is there to offer a compassionate ear and the chance to finish a hot tea during a time when your head might be busy with equal excitement, bewilderment and exhaustion. Your visitor will be prepared with a directory of valuable support resources, ensuring you’re well-equipped to navigate this new chapter. The frequency of visits is up to you; remote or person or a mixture of both
We use understanding, expertise, and a lot of fun and care to support the development and well-being of children and young adults on the autism spectrum, and their families. We aim to provide autism-specific information, advice and support to parent/carers, as well as linking you with similar parents and children if you wish. We also run youth groups and holiday activities.
Be Free Young Carers – 01235 838554
BFYC is an Oxfordshire based charity, we work with young carers aged 8 to 18. BFYC is the only specialist organisation supporting young carers in Oxfordshire. We’ve been supporting young carers for over 25 years, offering respite trips and emotional and practical advice so they can manage the stresses and responsibilities of being a young carer.
Citizens Advice provide free, independent and confidential advice and support. If you are in difficulty, or think you might soon be, then please do contact us now to get support and advice about how to make things better for yourself. Anyone can use our service at any time to overcome problems related to family, debt, benefits, employment, housing and a number of other issues.
95/96 St Aldates, Oxford, OX1 1DA
03444 111 444
Community-based family centre offering a range of services to local children and their parents/carers. Donnington Doorstep offers drop-in sessions for 0-5s several days a week.
Mondays, 10-2
Tuesdays, 10-2
Wednesdays, 10-12
Thursdays, 10-2
Address: Townsend Square, Donnington Bridge Road, Oxford, OX4 4BB
Tel: 01865 727721
Down’s Syndrome Oxford is a charity organised and funded by volunteer parents and supporters to provide information, support and activities for children and adults with Down’s Syndrome and their families living in Oxfordshire. Members of DSO are children and adults with Down’s Syndrome, their parents, carers and supporters of the charity plus many key professionals such as physiotherapists, pre-school teacher councilors, teaching assistants, health visitors and other people working in the community.
info@dsoxford.org.uk
Postnatal course for mothers and babies led by clinical psychologists Rebecca Knowles Bevis and Guinevere Webster. For mothers at any stage after birth, babies very welcome. A supportive space to reflect on this momentous transition and grow into mothering. Each session includes: practical techniques for self-care, baby-bonding activities and information on mother-baby development.
Thursdays 12.45-2.15 pm in OX4 3PG. £85 for 8 sessions.
07968 215030
Oxford ADHD Centre is the first specialist independent clinic in Oxford for children and adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and related conditions, such as specific learning difficulties, anxiety and depression. We are able to offer assessments and also ongoing management and follow-up, including treatment with medication if appropriate. We also offer support groups and a specially adapted parenting course and workshops.
The UK’s leading shared parenting charity, Families Need Fathers provides information and support to parents of either sex. FNF is chiefly concerned with the problems of maintaining a child’s relationship with both parents during and after family breakdown.
Meetings held on the 1st Tuesday of the month at 7.30pm in Cowley. There is a review on the previous month, then you are given the opportunity to voice views and experiences. Help and advice given when appropriate.
07813 050735 or 07921 857558
The Oxfordshire Domestic Abuse Helpline can provide emotional support and practical information for adults affected by domestic abuse. It works with victims to empower them to make decisions regarding their relationship, irrespective of whether they wish to leave or not. The helpline can help with any enquiries that you may have and provide access to support services. It is free and will not show on your home telephone bill but may appear on an itemised mobile phone bill.
Helpline number: 0800 731 0055 (Monday to Friday 10.00am-6.00pm and Saturday 10.00am-4.00pm)
Oxfordshire Family Support Network is a not-for-profit organisation run by and for family carers of people with learning disabilities – both children and adults. We provide the families of people with learning disabilities with:
07891 734987
Provides specialist therapeutic support, from conception to 2 years, for infants and parents who are in need of assistance for issues such as establishing and building close nurturing relationships, depression and anxiety, birth trauma, loss, or unresolved issues from parents’ own early lives. Based at the Kidlington Centre. Call 01865 778034.
Community-run centre for babies, young children and their families in South Oxford.
Stay & play sessions offering indoor and outdoor play, as well as singing, snacks and hot drinks. £3 suggested donation.
Mondays & Fridays, 9.30-12pm.
Family Fun/Saturdads Sessions for creative play and exciting experiences.
3rd Saturday of the month, 10-1pm.
Address: Whitehouse Road, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX1 4QH
Tel: 01865 242900
Special Educational Needs Consultant, with 10+ years experience working in Special Educational Needs, and 3+ years working as an SEN Officer in Local Authorities, including Oxfordshire. Helping parents to navigate the SEN world.
Contact Jes Allan on 07753724057 for more information.
