Supportive signposting for undocumented migrants
This information is intended for use by maternity, health visiting, general practice and social prescribing staff when supporting pregnant people who have a ‘no recourse to public funds’ condition on their visa and / or are undocumented migrants. We hope the information below assists you in supporting your service users to have healthy, safe and happy pregnancies.
Support related to the NHS maternity pathway, pregnancy and birth
Pregnant service users you speak with may be feeling very worried if they are undocumented migrants, especially due to the cost of maternity care. This may make them less likely to book maternity care early in their pregnancy, and we know that later booking can negatively impact their care. It is important to help them understand the benefits of seeking maternity care early in pregnancy, for example, being able to access screening tests that need to be undertaken by 10 weeks gestation, and early identification of risk factors.
While we cannot promise undocumented migrant service users in Sussex that there will not be financial charges for NHS maternity care, as this is nationally mandated, we want to provide support on navigating this and strive to provide a safe, non-judgemental and supportive environment.
Accessibility Bar
The Sussex Local Maternity and Neonatal System website provides a wealth of information on services in Sussex, pregnancy, infant feeding, etc. It is also accessible, with full translation available by clicking on the accessibility icon shown on the right of the screen. Click on the button below, and the accessibility bar will open, and a range of accessibility options will be available to you.
Try Our Accessibility Toolbar
Maternity Resources Library
A maternity resource library offers easy-read and video format service user resources in English and the ten most frequently used languages in Sussex. These resources were co-developed with service users for service users to offer support in the understanding of the NHS maternity pathway (in terms of the tests that happen at each point etc), when to seek help (for example, in instances of pain or bleeding) and choices in pregnancy.
English and translated resources are also available to provide support for mothers and birthing people postnatally: Visit BEAMS Website
Other support available
National: Maternity Action
Free, confidential advice on NHS charges for maternity care with support from legal advisors.
Visit WebsiteSussex: Sussex Interpreting Services
Support with accessing care, navigating NHS pathways and booking appointments. Support available in 21 languages in addition to English.
Visit Website- Professionals working in West Sussex can access CLiO3, a database of support services in East Sussex. To access this, please email clio3admin@westsussex.gov.uk to obtain a username and password, and then log in via https://ps.clio.uk.com/auth/login.
- Doulas Without Borders is a UK-wide network of volunteers offering accessible, grassroots services to women and childbearing people experiencing multiple disadvantages and financial hardship during pregnancy, birth and early parenthood. Please see the website for eligibility criteria and the referral form: doulaswithoutborders.com