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New Beginnings programme for mothers and babies in prison
The New Beginnings 12 session programme aims to increase a mother’s capacity for good parenting and to promote infant development in the context of a reflective relationship. It strives to create a sufficiently safe environment for the mother to think about things that may be difficult while respecting her need to cope with the stressful surroundings with her infant within the prison setting.
Programme content
The course covers a range of topics including the mother’s current relationship with her baby, her experience of pregnancy, patterns of relating from childhood to the present and identifying positive and detrimental behaviours. Mothers are encouraged to observe and reflect on their baby’s behaviour and responses and this provides material to discuss as a group and talk about the meanings of actions and thought processes.
The topic of separation is discussed and explored within the programme. This is crucial as all mothers are parted from family members and friends, and some face significant absence from their baby due to a long sentence. This is a very sensitive, painful area of work, one which needs approaching sensitively, carefully, respectfully.
The team
The programme is run by two trained and experienced facilitators.
Contact Us
For further information please contact Sara Mitchell on +44 (0)20 7794 2313 or email sara.mitchell@annafreud.org
