Community Work

In 81 countries around the world, Mothers' Union members are involved in a wide range of community projects, ranging from running small scale farming initiatives in Uganda, to setting up family support groups in prisons (see below) around the UK.

Whatever the needs of a community, Mothers' Union is willing to help. In developing countries our members run workshops to raise awareness of health issues and improve skills; they organise income-generating projects in farming or craft production and they work to support families affected by HIV/AIDS.

In developed countries,members volunteer in contact centres, parent & toddler groups and play schemes, work with families affected by imprisonment, couples preparing for marriage and assist women fleeing violence. There are also a number of nationwide projects, such as the hugely successful Away From It All holiday (see below) scheme, which enables families in need to have a much-needed break. Other schemes includethe Mothers' Union's accredited Parenting Programme, which trainsmembers to run parenting groups. There is also a range of Mothers' Union resources on drugs and media awareness which are used by parents across the UK and Ireland.

Away From It All (AFIA) Holiday Scheme

• Specially organised family weeks with people on hand to help out with planned outings
• Time at a Mothers' Union caravan, usually on a site with full facilities by the beach
• Staying at a guest house or small family hotel
• Breaks at a holiday camp

The AFIA scheme tries to provide the most suitable holiday possible catering for everyone's needs to ensure all have a very enjoyable time. The scheme is also a very rewarding experience for everyone involved in the organisation and administration of the holidays. Practically all the dioceses in the UK run an AFIA holiday scheme and there are many thousands of satisfied holidaymakers as a result.


Mothers' Union Prison Initiatives

Mothers' Union is involved with over 90 prisons throughout the UK and Ireland. There are now over 1,000 MU members who volunteer in a variety of roles.

Here are just some of the areas Mothers' Union volunteers are currently involved with:

• Parenting groups within prisons
• Support to families visiting
• Provision of toys and games for children's play areas
• Running safe play areas
• Running support groups for women
• Helping with administration
• Assisting with chaplaincy work
• Serving refreshments
• Helping with father and child visits out
• Helping with Mother and baby unit, including baby minding and pram walking
• Providing toiletries for new babies
• Providing listening ears
• Being an independent person involved in observing extended visits
• Being on the Visitor's Centre Committee

All volunteers go through a security check and are given an introductory briefing session about prison regulations. They also meet regularly to share thoughts, ideas and are able to attend further training sessions.

The voluntary sector work is essential in supporting the prison system and Mothers' Union's role is key; the support they give to families is invaluable to the prisoners. It also helps the community as evidence has shown that prisoners who maintain strong family relationships are much less likely to offend.

If you'd like more information on Mothers' Union Prison work please email our Action & Outreach team.