Equal Start
We are a community project responding to inequalities in access, experience and outcomes faced by Black and minoritized women & birthing people (those from the global majority) living in our local area of OX4.
We focus on supporting families through their baby’s first 1000 days, which spans pregnancy and the first two years of a child’s life.
If you would like to make a referral to the Equal Start Oxford team for yourself or someone you know please complete this form
Why We Exist
“Early Lives Equal Start” launched late 2022, in response to local and national research. The aim is to support mothers and birthing people from the diverse migrant population of OX4, who are at greater risk of adverse outcomes to thrive in pregnancy and early parenthood.
What We Do
We believe that neighbourhoods can be primary units of change and critical starting points for efforts to improve health inequalities. Equal Start Oxford is place-based working in action; improving the way organisations work together and with families, to shift attitudes and resources towards preventing problems that can start in early life.
Despite Oxford’s overall affluence, significant disparities persist in maternal and infant health outcomes. Women from Black and minority ethnic communities, migrant backgrounds, and those experiencing poverty, housing instability, or social isolation face substantial barriers to accessing timely and appropriate maternity care. These challenges often lead to poorer health outcomes and long-term developmental risks for children.
Equal Start Oxford addresses these issues through a community-based, early intervention model focused on the first 1001 days of life—a critical period for child development. By nature, this project is aligned with Marmot principles, working to reduce health inequalities by embedding equitable, inclusive support within trusted community settings.
We provide holistic, culturally responsive support through casework, tailored antenatal education, peer-led community groups, English language classes, and early years services. Delivered by a team rooted in lived experience, ESO builds trust, improves access to services, and empowers women to navigate complex systems.
By addressing the social determinants of health and strengthening community resilience, ESO improves maternity experiences, reduces pressure on clinical services, and supports better long-term outcomes for both mothers and children.
Co Production principles
Our work is co-produced together with mothers and midwives in our community, who sit on the project steering committee along with representatives from our partners in the Oxfordshire Maternity Voices Partnership (OMVP) and the NHS. Together, we are working to ensure that every family in OX4 gets the support they deserve for a healthy and promising beginning.
The programme is coordinated from Flo’s with co-located services including the community midwifery team and outreach obstetric clinic.
What We Provide
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Community-based caseworkers provide one-to-one support, helping women access essential services such as welfare, housing, immigration advice, domestic abuse support, food banks, and baby supplies. Support is delivered in women’s own languages or with interpreters.
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Antenatal classes are led by OUH’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Midwife, supported by ESO caseworkers and interpreters. These sessions build trust, improve understanding of maternity care, and enable informed decision-making.
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Drop-in antenatal and postnatal groups—particularly for East Timorese families—offer culturally appropriate support, reduce isolation, and build understanding of UK systems and services.
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English classes for pregnant women and new mothers increase confidence and enable more independent access to healthcare and other services.
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Training is provided for community champions in areas such as interpreting, peer support, first aid, and co-production. This strengthens local capacity and promotes sustainable, community-led support networks.
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Parent-and-child groups focus on strengthening the parent–child bond, supporting early development, and building parents’ confidence in play, communication, and positive behaviour management.
Our theory of change
Take a look at our Equal Start Theory of Change to see how are driving change
Community Voices
In 2021, Omotunde Coker, a community researcher with HealthWatch, collaborated with mothers from Oxford’s Black and ethnic minority communities and Oxford Community Action (OCA) to create a film discussing their views on maternity care.
In the video, mothers shared concerning stories about feeling unheard by medical professionals, lacking proper care, and struggling with language barriers when using services. A few however, also shared uplifting stories of dedicated midwives who had stood by their side through pregnancy and childbirth, helping them navigate challenges ranging from medical complications to immigration support.
Meet the Team
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Melissa Latchman
Senior Community Manager
Melissa was the first maternity advocate in 2023, on the then Early Lives Equal Start project. I am an active member of the local community in Oxford being involved in many community initiatives and organisations over the years. These include African Families in the UK & Leys Community Development Initiative. More recently I sit on the Blackbird Leys Parish Council & am a Trustee on the National Council for St Vincent & the Grenadines, my home country. My interest is in rights based work & making sure that our communities get everything they are entitled to.
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Adelia Fernandes
Maternity Advocate
Adelia initially joined as a Tetum interpreter for monthly clinics and weekly drop-in sessions at Flo’s. Now, in her role as Maternity Advocate, Adelia handles casework supporting East Timorese families in OX4 to navigate housing, immigration, benefits, and other challenges. She also works with the community midwives, facilitating accessible in-person antenatal classes and leading a weekly support group for East Timorese mothers near Cowley Centre
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Elita Quammie
Operational Manager and Maternity Advocate
Elita joined the project at the start of 2024, working as Maternity Advocate alongside Adelia. Elita has a background in education, early years and health care. She is really excited about her new role as a maternity advocate. She is looking forward to working with and supporting women through their pregnancy, and during their transition to motherhood.
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Jessica Clara Shinta
Project Coordinator
Jessica joined Flo’s in 2024 as Project Administration & Communications Lead. She works for the Equal Start team on admin, communications, and community outreach projects.
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Sarah Craft
Families Coordinator
Sarah is our Families Coordinator and joined Flo’s in 2024. Prior to that, Sarah worked as a Teaching Assistant within the early years, including two years of Forest School. Sarah runs Flo’s weekly family drop-ins sessions for parents and their children as well as our First Friday events.
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Dr Brenda Kelly
Consultant in Obstetrics and Clinical Lead for Maternity Safety and Maternity Equality
Brenda is a Consultant Obstetrician and Subspecialist in Maternal and Fetal Medicine at Oxford University Hospitals Trust. She is also an Honorary Senior Clinical Fellow at the University of Oxford.
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Olivia Aldsworth
Midwife
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Shanice Akinyombo
Specialist Midwife for Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
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Carina Okiki
Specialist Midwife for Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion