Author Archives: MUe

The BIG BOOK SHARE is a scheme for prisoners and their children to share the same book. The book is read together or separately and then discussed. Mothers’ Union advertise for books through the members, across the Christian churches, on radio, and in newspapers. Mothers’ Union then sort the books into pairs, number them and […]

Members helping at a prison have developed ‘Book Work’. The prisoners with their children have the opportunity to make a personalised book for their children. They are supported by the librarian as they use the library computers to design, print, laminate and bind the books. The books are given by the prisoners to their children […]

These books of comfort provide inspiration and support to individuals and families. At some point in our lives, most of us will experience a difficult time, and these books of comfort are intended to offer support, and a reminder of a God who loves us and sustains us. The books of comfort, put together by […]

Mothers’ Union, working with a local Residents’ Association, open up a parish hall during the lunchtime break, and provide teenagers with something free to eat and drink, activities to do and a safe place to socialise. Most days between 40 – 50 young people come along. Volunteers help in a range of ways: some by […]

The media and commercial world offer children many opportunities. However, intense marketing through traditional and new media can lead children to feel under pressure to ‘own the right things’ and to look a certain way. Parents can also feel under pressure to spend a lot of money on childhood. Mothers’ Union Bye Buy Childhood campaign […]

When couples separate or divorce, it can become difficult for the parent who moves out of the family home to maintain a relationship with their child/ren. Contact centres have been set up to provide a warm, safe, neutral environment where a parent who isn’t resident in the family home can talk and play with their […]

For anyone, being admitted to hospital, especially if at short notice, is worrying, and can be especially upsetting for patients who are children – this might be the first time they have spent much time away from their parents. Through Mothers’ Union branches and local churches, children and their parents are invited to fill a […]

Back in 2004, the hospital chaplain contacted Mothers’ Union to ask if they would be prepared to offer coffee, cake and conversation to the parents who are living at Great Ormond Street  Hospital, in order to be near their children. These parents needed people outside of the medical profession to offer them some friendly care. This […]

People in prison often feel lonely, cut off from their families. In Hydebank Prison, members organise craft classes, which offers an opportunity to chat with and encourage the prisoners. The prisoners so far have made jewellery, Christmas cards and ‘no-bake’ cakes. “One lady told us she had been in prison for five years, and no-one […]

A number of years ago, Henley Deanery Synod were approached by the County Community Health team, who were asking local churches to help support first time mums and their babies. The Mothers’ Union talked with local health visitors and the First Time Mums group came into being. Members provide a safe, warm environment and offer […]