The Neighbourhood Mothers project was established in Denmark in 2011, and is now active in 54 locations across the country.‘Neighbourhood Mothers’ are bridge builders. They are volunteer (migrant) women who offer support to vulnerable families and older women experiencing loneliness and isolation, often those with a migrant background, in their local areas and ensure that they can access information and services from relevant authorities. They also help women into the labour market when needed, by assisting with CVs, job applications and contacting employers.Project GoalThe goal of the project is to promote women’s empowerment and active participation in society by ensuring they have the knowledge and contacts needed for the development of mutual support and social networks.How it worksEstablishment of a branch of the Neighbourhood Mothers initiative in a specific area in Denmark is typically initiated by a municipality or a social housing company, in collaboration with the National Secretariat of the Neighbourhood Mothers.All Neighbourhood Mothers complete a basic training course of approximately 3 ½ months. The course is typically initiated by a municipality or a comprehensive housing social plan in the local area. If someone wants to become a volunteer, they can either contact the secretariat, their local municipality or an employee in the social housing plan where they live.Who benefitsThe project’s target group is local women who live in social isolation, lack a network of friends or family, struggle with the Danish language and/or distrust the public system. It can also include newcomers who are still finding their place in Denmark.‘Neighbourhood Mothers’ themselves benefit from their participation in the project by developing new skills and knowledge as well as building personal networks.The local municipality benefits through improved trust and communication with a social group it has struggled to reach.The project also has a positive effect on children whose mothers are involved in the project. Start date1 Jan 2011Project locations Denmark Project websiteBydelsmødre (Neighbourhood Mothers) Age and genderWomenMigration statusNewcomersTopicLocal levelService provision Results There are currently more than 1 000 Neighbourhood Mothers active in 54 groups across the country. Key results, available on the project website, include:A Neighbourhood Mother is 5 times more likely to enrol in an education course than other women from the same background.78% of Neighbourhood Mother volunteers said they feel able to support others in joining Danish communities, such as associations for sports, leisure and culture.After acting as a Neighbourhood Mother, 33% of volunteers said that they themselves felt able to join other organisations and initiatives.70% Neighbourhood Mother volunteers feel that communication and participation in activities with their children’s daycare institutions improved after they became a Neighbourhood Mother.EvaluationThe project has been evaluated several times:2016: Economic Evaluation2015: Deloitte2015: VIVE (The National Centre for Social Science Research)2011: Copenhagen MunicipalityFind all 4 reports.
