Coronavirus – Message from our CEO

by | 18/ Mar/ 2020 | Blog

Dear all,

In these difficult and uncertain times, I would like to assure you that we are striving to ensure our much needed service continues whilst following Government guidelines to ensure the safety of ourselves and others.

Our Rapha Listening service is still available via telephone. If you need to talk or know someone who is need of a listening ear, especially if they are suffering from the impact of self isolation during the Coronavirus outbreak or are equally worried about the impact on their social, physical and economic wellbeing, please call 07825 221 150 or visit our website http://bethelnetwork.org.uk and go to ‘our services’ to request a listener.

Our Doula service continues with strict adherence to guidance regarding hand hygiene. Essential visits are still taking place, with non-essential support being provided via telephone.

We will inform you as soon as possible if there are any significant changes to our services.

The main objective, alongside our partners, is to continue to support our service users who will find themselves in a position of increased vulnerability.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our staff and volunteers for the brilliant work they are continuing to do. You are all individually appreciated and I am personally grateful for your hard work and dedication.

Madge Milligan-Green
CEO

As a Doula Champion, you might accompany expectant mothers to prenatal appointments, provide birthing support if needed, help new mums with newborn care and breastfeeding, and ensure they attend their 6-week postnatal checks. You become a trusted companion and advocate for mothers who might otherwise be alone or uncertain.

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You will receive accredited doula training from experienced professionals (led by an ex-NHS midwife) , covering birth coaching, maternal health, and safeguarding. By the end, you’ll be equipped with the skills and
confidence to support women one-on-one.

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This pathway is ideal if you are interested in maternity care or midwifery. It offers invaluable hands-on experience – from attending births (optionally) to postpartum support – giving you a taste of a career in maternal health. Many Doula Champions use this experience as a springboard into NHS roles, midwifery training, or paid doula work in the future.

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Key activities: You will provide one-to-one support through active listening sessions – this could be over the phone, via video call, or in person. You let people share their feelings, and you offer empathy and guidance towards further help if needed (such as suggesting community services). Often, just being there to listen can make a huge difference.

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Training provided: You will undergo intensive training in reflective listening and mental health first response. Our training (often delivered via Zoom over a series of sessions) will teach you how to handle sensitive conversations, maintain confidentiality, and know your boundaries . By completion, you’ll be a certified listening volunteer with skills applicable to counseling or psychology fields.

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Emphasize volunteer scope: Rapha Champions commit to at least an hour per week of listening support for a client after training , which can often be arranged flexibly. You might have regular weekly calls with a client for a period of time. There are also opportunities to facilitate group sessions or community support groups as you grow in experience.

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Benefits and career pathways: This pathway is perfect if you’re interested in mental health, counseling, or social work. The experience you gain – in communication, empathy, and understanding mental health – is highly relevant to careers in counseling, psychotherapy, mental health nursing, or community support roles. Rapha Champions have a pathway to progress into formal counseling courses or mental health roles in the NHS or voluntary sector.” (For example, mention “You could go on to become a paid listening service coordinator or pursue qualifications in therapy – the programme can open these doors.

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