The Raham Project in Peterborough, a community organisation supporting ethnic minority families through pregnancy, is seeing rising demand for its services and is actively fundraising to continue its work.
Founded five years ago by Faiza Rehman, an NHS midwife with 17 years’ experience, the project has provided pre-natal support to more than 800 families, tailored specifically to cultural needs. Ms Rehman said she launched the initiative after observing “disparities and unconscious bias in maternity care.” She added that the project was created to amplify ethnic voices and better understand the challenges faced by diverse communities.
The project offers a range of services, including lunch clubs, walk-and-talk sessions, pre-natal advice, and signposting to other support services. It also provides cultural awareness training for healthcare professionals aimed at bridging gaps in understanding and improving outcomes for families from ethnic minority backgrounds.
Ms Rehman explained that demand is growing, reflecting both the need for inclusive care and the trust the project has built in the local community. “The kind of stories that we’ve heard over the years essentially keep reiterating what the national picture is telling us – that these families feel getting access to care isn’t easy for them or feel like they weren’t being listened to,” she said.
Although the perinatal period covers pregnancy and the first two years after birth, many families continue to seek support beyond this timeframe. “We want to create a safe space for our families and make sure they have a support network,” Ms Rehman said. “Our monthly walk-and-talk helps them get out, get some fresh air. Our lunch club brings mums from diverse communities together, in a relaxed environment, get information about pregnancy and parenthood, and enjoy home-cooked meals.”
Most families the Raham Project helps are from Black, Asian, or mixed ethnic backgrounds, with growing participation from Eastern European and Egyptian mothers. Language barriers are a factor in some cases, and Ms Rehman noted that sessions also support Egyptian mothers in improving their English through socialising.
Previously, the organisation was funded by Peterborough City Council’s Family Hubs Scheme, but with rising demand, it is now seeking additional funds to expand services and meet the needs of a wider range of ethnic communities.
Ms Rehman said the team is committed to remaining responsive to the community. “We are going to keep going. We are going to ask them what they need and we’re going to stay rooted to our purpose,” she said.
The Raham Project in Peterborough has been described by service users as “life-changing,” highlighting its role in addressing gaps in maternity care, providing culturally sensitive support, and creating a safe and welcoming environment for families. Its combination of practical support, social connection, and advocacy makes it a vital resource for ethnic minority parents across the city.
As demand grows, the organisation is calling on local residents, businesses, and charitable donors to help sustain its services and enable it to continue providing essential pre-natal and post-natal support tailored to the city’s diverse communities.
