From Our Village Family to Yours: Swallowtail Crafters Supporting Mothers in Sierra Leone

In the heart of Acle village, Norfolk, a warm and vibrant group known as the Swallowtail Crafters gathers every Tuesday afternoon, their hands usually busy with threads, fabrics, and creative projects. This time, however, this dedicated team of local artisans has decided to channel their creativity into Life for African Mothers’ life-saving mission: supporting mothers, babies, and midwives in Sierra Leone, where maternal mortality remains a critical challenge.

Following their successful contributions to maternal health initiatives in Uganda, the Swallowtail Crafters are now turning their attention to Sierra Leone, eager to replicate the impact they’ve seen firsthand. Their work is lovingly titled “From Our Village Family to Your Village Families”, a name that beautifully captures the spirit of connection and solidarity that drives their efforts.

Crafting with Compassion

Each handcrafted item—whether it’s a soft baby blanket, a comforting toy, or a small gift for a midwife—is made with care and intention. These gifts are more than just objects; they are symbols of love, hope, and shared humanity. The crafters understand that a simple handmade item can bring comfort and dignity to a mother in need, and encouragement to a midwife working tirelessly in challenging conditions.

The Tuesday crafting sessions are filled with laughter, stories, and a shared sense of purpose. It’s a time not only for creativity but for community, as the group bonds over their shared goal of making a difference far beyond their village borders.

Looking Ahead to Sierra Leone

With a trip to Sierra Leone on the horizon, the excitement is palpable, and they continue to support the travels of their member and friend, Nicola, a local midwife who is Midwifery Advisor for LFAM. This November, Nicola will join three fellow midwives from James Paget Hospital and LFAM trustee Peter on a mission to train 50 local midwives and distribute 200,000 life-saving Misoprostol tablets—work that could prevent countless maternal deaths from postpartum haemorrhage. The Swallowtail Crafters are preparing to send their lovingly made gifts along with the team from Life for African Mothers, ensuring that their support reaches those who need it most. Their work is a testament to the power of grassroots action—how a small village in Norfolk can touch lives across continents.

Join the Movement

Whether you’re a crafter, a supporter, or simply someone who believes in the power of kindness, there’s a place for you in this story. The Swallowtail Crafters welcome new members and donations, and they’re always eager to share their journey with others.

To learn more about how you can support LFAM’s work in Sierra Leone and beyond, visit our Support Us page.

Together, from one village to another, they are weaving a tapestry of care, compassion, and connection—one stitch at a time.

This is the second in a special series documenting LFAM’s November 2025 mission to Sierra Leone. Follow along as we share real stories of courage, community, and the extraordinary power of midwifery to transform lives.