Lost Mothers: Working Lives in the Shadows of Separation (online)

As part of the Festival of Social Science, join us for a powerful lunchtime event exploring the often-hidden experiences of mothers separated from their babies while in prison. The session will open with a short, compelling film, followed by a Q&A panel bringing together women with lived experience, leading charities, and health professionals. You’ll have the chance to ask questions, share perspectives, and reflect on how we can improve care for one of the most marginalised groups of mothers. The event will run online, making it easy to join over your lunch break, wherever you are.

This event, aimed at midwives, healthcare professionals, and anyone working with imprisoned mothers, shines a light on the voices of women whose experiences are too often ignored. We will explore:

• Why listening to the lived experience of imprisoned mothers matters — and how it can inform better practice.
• The importance of trauma-informed approaches in maternity care.
• Human rights as the foundation for respectful, safe, and dignified care for all women.
• The harmful impact of stigma, and how to challenge it.
• How policy and practice changes can transform outcomes for mothers in custody and their children.

Through creative storytelling, spoken word, and powerful visual narratives, this session will challenge assumptions, deepen understanding, and equip professionals with insights to support mothers experiencing separation.

Professor Laura Abbott

Midwives, healthcare professionals, individuals working in the prison service

professionals working in the prison service

To attend, please register here