Mentormammor project to continue after successful pilot.

The project, initiated by the Church of Sweden and carried out by Yalla Trappan women’s cooperative in Malmö and Tidigt föräldrastöd in Gothenburg (which provides support to new families, including via doulas and interpreters, in a variety of languages), has been a great success. The model is based on training mothers as mentors so they can support other mothers, helping them with language and cultural skills and providing community information. 

“A long chain of initiatives has led to this result, but behind it all are women with wisdom, enthusiasm and vision,” says Christina Merker-Siesjö, Senior Advisor at Yalla Trappan. 

Mentormammor is based on what is known as the Philani model, which originates from work on maternal and paediatric health in Khayelitsha, South Africa. The Church of Sweden has long collaborated with the Philani organisation and has now trialled the model in Sweden for the first time. 

The project has involved broad collaboration between different players such as social services, open preschools and civil society organisations. The mentor mothers have acted as role models and network builders, increasing interest in studies and employment among many women. 

The final report emphasises the importance of trusting relationships between the mentor mothers and the families. Thanks to the support provided, many mothers have attended the open preschool with their children, and interpreting assistance has made everyday life easier. 

“It has been a pleasure to follow the project and witness the commitment of these women in Bergsjön and Rosengård,” says Elna Wahlgren Lundqvist, project manager at the Church of Sweden. “I have learned that we can do big things with very little means.” 

Activities are now continuing in Malmö with external funding and in Gothenburg within a non-profit public partnership. 

Brief facts 

The Mentormamma model is a method of supporting mothers and children in vulnerable areas through home visits and training. The model was developed by physician Ingrid Le Roux, previously seconded by the Church of Sweden, to bolster families in the shantytowns outside Cape Town through health promotion initiatives and social support. 

Act Church of Sweden currently supports organisations working with mentor mothers in South Africa, Eswatini, Egypt and Ethiopia. 

Thanks to this collaboration, the Church of Sweden has now been able to trial and implement the model in Sweden via the Mentormammor project in Rosengård and Bergsjön. 

Ingrid Le Roux is being awarded the Royal Order of Vasa this year for her crucial contributions to conveying Swedish expertise in health care for vulnerable women and children. She will receive her award at a ceremony at the Royal Palace on 28 May.