I facilitate mindfulness practices for 4M, during the training sessions in person, online for the ‘Date Nights’ and also for the ‘Each one, Teach One project’. It is so important to offer this space for connection and awareness, as often the information shared in these sessions is complex. The explanations of Psychological theories and hearing participants’ experiences can be triggering, and even though there is also a lot of laughter, having a moment in silence and stillness really helps and brings some healing. The invitation to be in the moment, focus on our bodies and notice our thoughts and feelings, enables a processing of our experience, our reactions and time to absorb all that has been discussed.


It is a pleasure to see participants relax and smile after a mindfulness practice, and also see the growth and empowerment. It helps me as well, I always learn something new, but I also have an opportunity to reconnect with the network that has given me so much support and it fills my heart.


I have been involved since 2011, when I first trained as a Mentor Mother with the From Pregnancy to Baby and Beyond Project at the then Positively Women, now Positively UK. (Where the 4M Project began life). This learning was a game-changer for me. Not only did I meet some amazing mothers, but I also gained knowledge of what is possible, what our rights are, and how to advocate for women to choose what works for them and their child.

I was told I had HIV from a crying midwife, 25 years ago, at 21 weeks pregnant, my child is now grown and thriving, and so am I! The information you are given at the time of diagnosis is vital, my pregnancy was difficult, not because of my baby, but because of the lack of support I had around me. I was told it would be better to have an abortion and keep my status secret. I fought against the first advice but resigned to isolating myself and hiding away. This is why I have a passion for 4M and the work it does, supporting mothers leads to happy, healthy families.

I struggled alone for many years and would have continued on that downward spiral without peer support. 4M gave me a community where there was safety and no shame. I was encouraged to fulfil my potential and given opportunities to gain confidence, even a career! I was pushed to apply for jobs, held when I felt I was falling and celebrated when successful.

Thank you 4M for raising me so that I can lift others, now breathe in, breathe out and smile.