Research with purpose.
Implementation for impact.
Advocacy for justice.
Putting equity at the heart of the systems that change health and opportunity.





Transforming
Child and Maternal Health Globally
Driving equity in maternal care, education, and environmental support for healthier families and brighter futures globally
- Who We Are
Our Mission
Every child, woman and family should have the opportunity to thrive. But the systems around them don’t give everyone the same chance. At Global Child & Maternal Health, our mission is to change that.
Equity is the thread that runs through everything we do. We look at where systems work differently for different communities, whose needs are being overlooked and whose voices are missing from the decisions that affect their lives.
We bring together research, lived experience and community knowledge to understand where inequities exist, why they persist and what needs to change. We turn that understanding into action: building evidence, influencing policy and bringing people together to create lasting systems change.
As a Black-led organisation, the experiences and knowledge of Black families are central to how we understand problems, ask questions and shape solutions.
Our Focus Areas
Our areas of focus
That commitment to equity shapes our work in three key areas.
SEND equity
Every child deserves to have their needs recognised, understood and supported. We work to understand and challenge the barriers that can prevent Black children with SEND from getting the right support at the right time.
By bringing together evidence, families' experiences and the people who shape education, we're working towards a fairer SEND system where every child has the opportunity to thrive.
Learn more
Environmental justice
Where you live shouldn't determine the quality of the environment you grow up in or the air you breathe. We explore how environmental issues such as air pollution affect Black children, women and families, and why some communities carry a greater burden than others.
We work alongside communities and decision-makers to make sure those most affected are part of shaping what needs to change.
Learn moreMaternal health equity
Every woman deserves safe, respectful and equitable care throughout pregnancy, birth and beyond. We work to understand and challenge the racial inequities that continue to shape Black women's experiences of maternity care and maternal health.
By bringing together research, lived experience and professional expertise, we're working to influence the care, practice and decisions that shape women's experiences.
Learn more
News Article Features
In the press
Reform alone won't fix SEND - implementation and equity will
Founder, GCMH Read More →
If cities want public support for clean air, they need to change how they talk about it
GCMH Read More →
Families' stories of being failed by the system have been getting louder
Writing for HuffPost UK Read More →
Do the Government's new SEND reforms risk disproportionately affecting Black and marginalised children?
GCMH Read More →
In the community
Ask the Public
Evidence on its own only tells half the story.
We take our questions out onto the street and put them to the people living the answers - then we let them say what they think, not what we were hoping to hear.
Series 01
The public vs air pollution
We took a quiz out onto the streets of central London and asked people what they knew about the air they breathe. Most of them had never been asked. What people did not know says far less about them than it does about who has been kept informed, and who has not.
Central London
Q2 "Do you think air pollution is discussed enough within our community?"
Q3 "Can burning candles release the same harmful chemicals as cigarette smoke?"
Q4 "Did you know hair straightners contribute to indoor air pollution?"
Q1 "Out of 10, How many people in London breathe illegal levels of air pollution?"
These conversations shape what we research, who we bring to the table, and what we take to the people making the decisions.
See more conversations- Who We Are
Our Mission
We are dedicated to transforming maternal and child health through education, advocacy, and community-driven solutions. With a focus on equity and sustainability, we work tirelessly to ensure every mother and child has the support they need to thrive.
In the United Kingdom Black women are 4xMore likely to die in pregnancy than white women
In the United States Black women are four times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than White women.
The incidence of maternal death in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women was more than 3 times as high as that for non-Indigenous women.
The purpose of life is not to be happy -- but to matter, to be productive, to be useful, to have it make some difference that you lived at all.
Our Core Values Driving Change
Through our core values of maternity support, education, and environmental health, we are making a lasting impact on communities worldwide. Join us in creating healthier futures for mothers and children everywhere.
Providing essential care and resources for mothers to ensure safe, healthy pregnancies and empowering them throughout their journey.
Advocating for accessible, quality education to equip families with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive.
Fostering clean, sustainable environments to protect the health of mothers, children, and communities worldwide.
Words of Support
Air Pollution
MAYOR OF LONDON
This life-saving research illustrates how much work we still need to do in order to educate everyone about the dangers of toxic air.
“Poor air quality is not just a public health issue but a matter of social justice. Evidence shows that thousands of Londoners are dying prematurely from long-term exposure to air pollution every year with toxic air impacting us from birth through to old age. Unfortunately, these effects fall disproportionately on those from Black and Asian communities.
“I’d like to thank Global Child & Maternal Health for their work on this vital issue and for their recommendations to help reduce the levels of toxic air in the capital. Together we can build a better London for everyone – a safer, fairer, greener city for all Londoners.”
– Sadiq Khan
Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
In the UK, women and children from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds experience a disproportionate burden of health impacts from air pollution. There is clear evidence that exposure to pollution during pregnancy increases the risk of poor pregnancy outcomes including stillbirth, low birth weight and preterm birth.
“This new report adds to the existing body of research that air quality, and the health equity issues that come with polluted air, must be taken seriously by policymakers. Sustainability is a strategic priority for our College, and we will carefully consider the report recommendations to inform our work in this important area. As obstetricians and gynaecologists we have a role in ensuring policymakers, our colleagues and the people we care for feel able to respond to the health risks of environmental pollutants and the related issue of climate change
– Dr Ranee Thakar
President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
SEND
Portfolio Manager at Impact on Urban Health
Our children’s mental health programme has heard repeatedly from families, community organisations and healthcare, professionals about the ways racism impacts both the mental health of children and the likelihood of them getting safe, compassionate support. We are working with local experience-led partners, Global Child and Maternal Health, to test changes that will tangibly improve young peoples’ ability to access timely, culturally intelligent support.
The recommendations in this report are some of the ways we can put our words into actions to improve the lives of, and outcomes for, young people in Lambeth and Southwark.
– Stephanie Woodrow
- Real Life Voices
Voices of Impact: Stories from Families We’ve Helped
A Mother’s Journey to Empowerment
What sets GBMH apart is their genuine care for each person they assist. They took the time to understand my unique situation and tailored their support to meet my specific needs, making all the difference in my journey.
Sarah, a mom Read More
From Struggle to Strength
Before getting involved with GCMH, we were struggling with limited access to clean air and safe healthcare for our children. Today, thanks to their advocacy for healthier environments, our community is thriving, and our children are healthier than ever
Emily's Story Read more
A New Generation of Hope
The Next Gen B program gave my son the educational tools and support he needed to succeed, even with his special needs. GCMH has truly changed our family’s life, and I’m confident he will have the future he deserves.
Sarah, a young single mum Read More
A Mother’s Journey to Empowerment
Through the support of Global Child Maternal Health, I was able to access the resources I needed to navigate my pregnancy safely. The workshops and guidance helped me feel more confident and empowered to make the best decisions for my health and my baby’s future.
From Struggle to Strength
Before getting involved with GCMH, we were struggling with limited access to clean air and safe healthcare for our children. Today, thanks to their advocacy for healthier environments, our community is thriving, and our children are healthier than ever
A New Generation of Hope
The Next Gen B program gave my son the educational tools and support he needed to succeed, even with his special needs. GCMH has truly changed our family’s life, and I’m confident he will have the future he deserves.
- Make a Difference Today
Support Maternal and Child Health Globally
Your donation helps us provide essential resources, advocacy, and support to mothers and children in need worldwide. Together, we can create healthier, brighter futures for families everywhere.
Workshop
- January 16th, 2025
Systemic Justice Workshop
Together, we’ll explore actionable solutions, collective advocacy, and the role of justice in driving meaningful change for our communities.
Workshops & Training
- Jun 29th, 2024 | 12 PM
Maternal Wellness: Safe Pregnancy Practices
Location: The Resource Hub, London
- Meet Our Dedicated Team
Agnes Agyepong
Dr. Michelle Peter