Our Team
Before becoming a doula, I was involved in the music industry and you may still catch me occasionally singing a very quiet lullaby to a newborn whilst their mama grabs some zzzzzzzss! (that’s about as much singing as I do these days) Despite what it may look like from first appearances, my trajectory to entering the world of birth work is actually a really straightforward one, put simply - I had 3 children in the space of 15months and subsequently whenever friends and family welcomed new babies into their home, I was that person offering to either fold the laundry, make a cup of coffee for exhausted parents or take the baby out for some fresh air. Apparently, I was being a doula without realising that’s what it was.
From that realisation point, I knew that I wanted to make doula support accessible to everyone because it’s evident that being able to have a doula has become the privilege of the middle classes, many people don’t even know what a doula is, let alone have the access to one. One of my most uttered lines is “If all women knew what a doula was, then surely no woman would want to be without one”.
To be able to nurture and support someone throughout their perinatal period, to afford them dignity and to be welcomed into their space during such a vulnerable time in their lives is real a privilege for me. Most of our service users have had their choices and autonomy removed and I love being able to show that them that they still have agency in their own lives, that they can be armed with all the knowledge of how they can birth their babies, feed their babies and how to raise their families.
Hope Plumb
Co Director, Doula & Breastfeeding support
I started volunteering with Elayos back in 2021 when we were gifted with a space to start our very own baby bank.
I love everything to do with sorting and organisation, so you will often see me with a clipboard and a label maker.
As a mother of 2 myself to be able to come along aside these mothers and to be able to support them by equipping them practically with everything baby needs is an amazing privilege.
Managing the baby bank is my happy place and I can't wait to see what the future holds for Elayos and baby banks across the UK.
Amy Brown
Baby Bank Coordinator
I feel so privileged to be able to work as a doula with Elayos. I have volunteered with Elayos for over a year, and have recently completed my doula training.
To be able to come alongside and support women and babies at this time in their lives is a dream come true. I have always been fascinated with pregnancy and childbirth, and have worked with young babies and their families over many years while working as a nanny.
Statistics show that having the support of a doula can reduce the likelihood of a mother needing a caesarean or an instrumental birth. Also, there is an increased likelihood of successful breastfeeding being established, as well as shorter labours, and a reduced need for epidurals, with a doula providing support.
I see my role as coming alongside and supporting women in making positive, informed choices; and being an advocate for their needs, and the best interests of both them and their babies.
Claire Hayes
Doula
Before Elayos, I completed a Masters in Dance Movement Psychotherapy and spent many years working in private practice helping people of all ages, stages and abilities process trauma and hardship. I loved seeing individuals discover new potential in themselves and in particular I was passionate about supporting vulnerable mothers and their children.
In 2018, I gave birth to my first daughter. Afterwards, I had a disappointed feeling like I could have done ‘better’ had I had more knowledge on giving birth or known more about what to with a newborn (picture me returning from hospital googling “how to look after a newborn”!). Fortunately, I had a great support network around me and once I had found my feet with this parenting journey, I began to re evaluate my life, my career and what I was passionate about now that I was a Mum.
This spurred me to channel my passions, train as a doula and co-found Elayos. Since setting up Elayos I have been able to, not only inform myself better in my own pregnancies and births, (while I grow my own girl gang, three daughters and counting!) but I have also been able to come alongside so many women and journey with them during this hugely significant life stage. I love seeing my clients discover what birth and being a mother looks like for them. Supporting them to make decisions about how they parent their children and encouraging them to continue in a way that allows them to thrive. It is an absolute privilege to support a birth and to see that child grow.
Amelia Sommers
Co Director, Doula & Breastfeeding support
Caroline has worked in the charity sector for 20 years, leading organisations and fundraising teams as well as providing hands-on fundraising support. Caroline’s fundraising experience spans all income streams, with significant experience in trusts and foundations, community fundraising and events. Passionate about positive health outcomes for families, Caroline has worked for national disability charities, and health and community focused causes. When she’s not fundraising or looking after her family, Caroline can be found at her allotment working towards her dream of self-sufficiency.
Caroline Dolan
Fundraiser
As the oldest member of the Elayos team, my children are all grown up! I first became a mum 27years ago! It has been the busiest and most fulfilling time of my life , I have loved being a mum of four. They are quite close in age, my eldest was just 6 when I had baby no.4. So life has always been very busy, but I wouldn’t change a thing, the good, the bad, and the ugly!
When my youngest was 2 I set up and co run a parent and toddler group, which grew and grew. My daughter left to go to school and I was still running the group 16years later. I loved getting to know all the families coming alongside new mums who just needed a friendly “adult” face , and a listening ear. To be able to talk about their sleepless nights, and more, whilst enjoying an “actual HOT drink!”.
I believe that there are definite seasons in life. When I learned about Elayos, I was just beginning to struggle with “what was next for me?” Struggling as my nest was fast becoming empty. Children were all grown up, 2 had left home , and another will leave later this year. It was perfect timing for my new season to begin! I find it difficult to express how much I love my job as an Elayos doula. To be a birth doula is a privilege. To be allowed into that most vulnerable and special space, to come alongside and support and advocate for a birthing mother, and to be part of their journey into parenthood. As an Elayos doula this can be helping the parent navigate through some of the most difficult circumstances, but being able to empower them with all the information they need to be able to make their own independent decisions is very fulfilling. I have been with Elayos for 3 years now, and I love it!
Suzie Damerell-Hinds
Doula & Breastfeeding support
Before joining Elayos, I worked in the Social Housing Sector for Birmingham City Council and Wolverhampton Council. I learnt a lot about housing laws and regulations which I often use within my role at Elayos as a lot of our clients are homeless. Previously before the working for the council, I studied Access to Health which led me to study Birthing and Beyond with The National Childcare Trust and this is where my passion for birth started.
Empowering Mothers is the purpose of my role. I was 18 when I had my son, I was riddled in fear having night terrors before labour. I only knew horror stories about birthing so I was so surprised when my son arrived safely and so fast.
My Role as a doula is to eliminate the fear by providing evidence-based facts to educate mothers around pregnancy and birth so they can make an informed decision around the most vulnerable time of their lives. As a doula I attempt to protect mothers from the experience of trauma and advocate for their needs to ensure they can have the birthing experience they desire while working with medical professionals to ensure overall safety of mother and baby comes first.
At Elayos we create the space for mothers to feel safe and cared for so their babies can feel safe and loved so we can shape a better society for all.
Kalcey Davies
Doula
Our Trustees
Andy is our Chair of Trustees and has had an interest in supporting vulnerable women after volunteering with a charity supporting on street sex workers. Andy has a BSc (Hons) in Physics and Astrophysics and a MSc in the Physics and Technologies of Nuclear Reactors. Andy currently works at Jaguar Landrover as a Demand Planner. Outside of his paid and voluntary work, Andy enjoys audio/visual production and photography and spending time with his wife and son.
Andy Hart
Lorraine is an experienced fundraiser with over 12 years of experience within the charity sector including arts, theatre, dance, health and conservation. Her portfolio includes support from a breadth of donors including Corporates, Major Donors, Individuals, Communities and Trust & Foundations. Lorraine is currently the Fundraising Lead at Chester Zoo, a wildlife and conservation charity which works to ensure our planet has a place to survive and thrive for future generations. Lorraine is committed to learning and making a difference in causes that she is passionate about and can advocate for.
Lorraine Jubb
I work for Alpha UK and specifically in the youth department. I look after key relationships in the UK with Christian festivals, events and church leaders. I help to equip and encourage leaders to run Youth Alpha and I speak to thousands of young people and adults every year across the UK.
Grace Wheeler
During Maggie's 40+ years as an NHS Midwife, she saw the impact charities like Elayos make on vulnerable women and how important it is to have an advocate and doula support. Maggie is a voluntary youth and children's worker, and mentor for young people within her local church. Maggie also spends time caring for her grandson.
Maggie Coleman
Abi works at the NSPCC doing therapeutic recovery work with children and families who have experienced domestic abuse and sexual abuse. Abi has over 14 years experience working with vulnerable children and their families as a child protection social worker. She is passionate about preventative work and has seen the incredible impact that charities like Elayos can have in changing the trajectory of a family.
Abigail Vedder
Volunteers
Katharine, also known as Mez, volunteers with Elayos as a HR Advisor to the board and directors. Mez works in HR for Gas Street church, looking after all aspects of the HR processes as well as employee development. Mez is CIPD level 5 qualified.
Katharine Gauton
HR Advisor
Kelly Goulding-Hughes