You are hundreds, if not thousands of miles from home and family, you have no recourse to public funds or a right to work. You have children who are looking to you for nurture and protection. The ‘system’ is a mystery, clinical and austere. The ever-present fear of losing your children because you may be judged a ‘not good enough’ parent may be paramount in the decision to engage, or not, with support.

Where do you turn?

It was Newham residents who had themselves met the warmth of solidarity in their neighbourhood, who noticed mums and children living alongside but segregated from them. Segregated into unstable, temporary housing, segregated by language, by resources and by fear. Curious and concerned, the neighbours asked questions and listened to the answers – what do you need? Why aren’t you accessing services? How are you? How are your children? No offices, lanyards or queues. No forms to fill or documents to produce – ‘how are you?’ ‘how are your children’, ‘what do you need?’

And from those questions, in 2017 the response was born – the Magpie Project. A place first and foremost to listen; to provide a safe space where the mums could relax, tell their story and begin to trust. With trust comes the possibility of accessing the myriad support that is available through the project and beginning to rebuild lives.

Having arrived in the UK from Ghana, Chantal (not her real name) was close to destitution when she was referred to the Magpie Project by her family support worker. She described herself as broken, the project provided a ‘safe haven’ where she could find herself again. Chantal is now a volunteer with the project and sits on the Mother’s Leadership Team, representing, supporting and advocating for other mothers. She describes the project as a ‘lifeline to many’.

Along with the support – the Shelter housing advisor, the health visitors, the Children’s Centre family support workers, the Workplace Newham advisor, the London Black Women’s Project legal advisor – with this much needed practical support comes fun!

Jane Williams, founder of Magpie Project, says it’s unthinkable that any child should live a childhood devoid of celebration and fun. The project takes any and all excuses to celebrate and make memories with the children. Hannah Duthie, play lead at Magpie, brings the magical skill of providing relaxed play within the secure container that the children and mums need.

Even during lockdown, which has brought particularly excruciating challenges for the mums and ‘minis’ (Magpie speak for children!), the project has provided online services, support, craft activities, storytelling and a platform for mums to support each other.

Speaking with Jane, I asked how the readers of Newham Voices could add their support to the dynamism of the project. Her response was to bring awareness. Awareness of those living close to us who have barriers to integration – for us all to know that a smile, an enquiry of wellbeing, an offer of friendship is a first step to trust that Newham is a safe welcoming place to be. With this trust mums may have the confidence to access the support they need.

Please see Magpie’s website for other practical support that you may be able to offer. https://themagpieproject.org/get-involved/

This paragraph taken from the website, about making practical donations, rather sums up the whole ethos of the project:

‘We would rather you don’t think of this as “charity”. Imagine these mums as your best friend or these children as your god-children, or nieces or nephews. They deserve the very best, the most consideration, and so much care.’

The Magpie Project is so much more than a charity offering support for vulnerable women and children. By the way it listens first, provides inclusive, safe space and recognises the value of everyone, it offers a model of healthy, resilient culture that foretells of the beautiful world that our hearts know is possible.

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