Free From Harm - course overview

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Free From Harm (FFH) Training, pioneered by White Ribbon Alliance UK, targets the critical issue of obstetric violence—a distinct form of gender-based violence within healthcare settings. This innovative training programme, championed by leading experts within midwifery and maternity services , educates healthcare professionals and birth workers, providing them with the necessary tools and strategies to identify, prevent, and address obstetric violence, thereby nurturing a culture of safety, compassion, and empowerment. 

Based on our comprehensive Free from Harm resource, this initiative aims to equip healthcare professionals and maternity care workers with the latest insights, evidence-based strategies, and tools to address this critical issue effectively.   

Note:  Our 2026 schedule is published here as well as Ticket Tailor. 

NHS Midwives / Students: £95

Other HCPs / Birth Workers: £135

Please note the above do not include payment processing fees, which must be paid at time of purchase.

Enhanced Free From Harm for Trusts: Starting at £150 per person + VAT (minimum of 15 participants)

Group bookings of >20 people receive additional discounts. Please contact us at training@whiteribbonalliance.org.uk to discuss.

Please note that we must have a minimum of 10 people enrolled in order to run the class. Classes which do not meet the minimum threshold for attendees will be rescheduled.

‘Free From Harm’ is an innovative and interactive course that will empower participants to create meaningful change in maternity care.  

The Free From Harm training course is an unique and exclusive opportunity to learn how to identify obstetric violence, support patients and coworkers when it occurs, and learn tools to take care of yourself after experiencing a traumatic event at work.

Key benefits of the course are:

• Groundbreaking Content: Our ‘Free from Harm’ full course is meticulously designed to provide in-depth knowledge on Obstetric Violence, its impact, and strategies to prevent and address it. This content is curated to empower you in delivering the best care possible.  
• Ethical and Evidence-Based: At White Ribbon Alliance, our commitment to ethical and evidence-based practices aligns with the core values of this program. You can trust that the content is reliable and up-to-date.  
• Compassionate Approach: We understand the importance of compassion in healthcare. Our training emphasises a compassionate and inclusive approach to perinatal care, fostering a supportive and confidential environment for all participants.   
• Advocating for Change: By participating in this course, you will be contributing to the broader movement to improve outcomes for marginalised and minoritised groups, particularly focusing on Black Maternal Health.  

Additionally, Free From Harm not only enhances participants' understanding of obstetric violence and its impact on women and birthing people, it helps them to recognise the harms that occur within the system itself, including to themselves. By considering how poor morale and working conditions contribute to rising rates of birth trauma and maternal mortality, as well as toxic work cultures, exploration of this sensitive topic goes deeper than surface level. Through wider discussions, practical tools, and group activities within the training, confidence in addressing harm increases. At its conclusion, participants are better equipped with the knowledge, support, and skills to minimise obstetric violence, and empowered to advocate for their own well-being too.

The Free From Harm for Healthcare Professionals course is specifically designed for individuals working in or studying midwifery or other maternity-related services.  The course content is for healthcare professionals rather than service users.  Community midwives, doulas, GPs, and other perinatal-adjacent specialists are also welcome to attend the course. We also offer a Free From Harm for Birth Workers course which has been designed specifically to target the issues birth workers and their clients face. 

If you want to enrol, have any questions, or would like to get in touch with us, we're always here to help. Contact us at training@whiteribbonalliance.org.uk.