Charities' mission to support refugee families

NSPCC, working with Project MAMA in Bristol, has adapted Look, Say, Sing, Play resources for refugee families

Two charities have combined forces to help break down barriers for refugee and displaced families.

The scheme 'Look, Say, Sing, Play' was created to support new parents interact and engage with their children in early years using simple activities.

Bristol-based charity Project MAMA is working with the NSPCC to adapt resources so that they can be used by refugee and displaced families, who often experience isolation and English language barriers.

CEO of MAMA Clare Smith said a lot of the work is based around "emotional support".

Flashcards showing the 'Look, Say, Sing, Play' activities have been created using illustrations, which are also described in simple terms.

The pictures were created by Rosanna Morris, who spent time working with refugee mums to create illustrations which represent them.

Ms Smith added that they are trying to help mothers connect with their babies, and the reaction has been "really positive".

“What it has allowed us to do is say to the mamas ‘you are already a great mum and you are doing really well’, it’s that encouragement which is so important," she said.

Project MAMA said that the new 'Look, Say, Sing, Play' resources had been welcomed by the parents they work with

Ms Smith said that about 70% of the families the charity supports do not speak English, meaning it can sometimes be difficult to access the mainstream resources given out.

She said: “This is a really positive way for mamas to be given something which is useful.

"Because of the adaptations which have been made there are fewer barriers for them to be able to use the resources.”

'Fewer barriers'

NSPCC local campaigns officer Maherush Khan said: "We want to make sure that NSPCC resources can be used by as many people as possible.

"Being able to adapt them with the help of Project MAMA staff and the mothers themselves has been really helpful.”

The 'Look, Say, Sing, Play' resources have been made available to other groups supporting refugee and displaced families through the NSPCC Learning website along with a webinar for professionals wanting to use the resources.