MoMo Helps is a charity set up by Mo Mowlam in March 2004. Find out more about its work here.
As a former government minister, Mo had extensive exposure to many social and environmental challenges that she felt prevented individuals and families from reaching their full potential. MoMo Helps aims to help those two groups that Mo felt were most 'in need' by providing funding for either items or services that will benefit them.
Much of the fundraising done to get the charity off the ground was by Mo herself - her dedication and commitment to helping others was second to none. Rory Bremner, Eddie Izzard, Johnny Vegas and Patrick Kielty have very kindly contributed by giving their time to raise money, and many, many others, who we are extremely grateful to, have sent donations.
In March 2004, a group of volunteers got together to design an application process for individuals and families. They put together criteria for applicants and an application form which was then sent out to agencies and groups around the country to advertise the charity.
It became immediately apparent that MoMo Helps was filling a massive gap. Applications came in from all over the country. The idea was to give small grants to help with the little things - a new suit for somebody to go to a job interview, college or further education fees, respite care for a single mum, specialist equipment for a disabled child.
Key Aims:
-To provide opportunities for those carers who are single carers supporting a family, by offering them easy access to funding to enable them to have a well deserved holiday, respite care or the option to purchase specialist equipment to assist them in their role as carer
-To provide opportunities for young carers (under 21), by offering them the easy access to funding to enable them to have a well deserved holiday, respite care or the option to purchase specialist equipment to assist them in their role as carer
-To provide opportunities for those recovering and ex-drug users who have completed, or are going through, rehabilitation by providing access to funding to enable them to purchase clothing
-To provide opportunities for those recovering and ex-drug users who have completed, or are going through, college or further education by providing access to funding to enable them to purchase clothing, college books or equipment to ensure they can complete the course
Since March 2004 we have given grants out to over 250 individuals and over 100 families. These grants were for a wide variety of things.
An individual who has recovered from substance misuse often has little or no self-esteem. By providing them the opportunity to purchase new clothes we increase their chances of going to college, getting employment and participating in everyday activities. By providing grants for college equipment, we increase the opportunity for an individual to complete their chosen course and again increase their chances of employment. Everyday things that are taken for granted by most people can help to build on these individuals self esteem and confidence.
Parents and carers of somebody with a disability are often isolated and struggling to cope. There may be more than one child in a family and often the children without disability can feel neglected. We provided grants to enable families to have a well-earned holiday or short break. We also gave grants for specialist equipment to enhance the lifestyle of those people less fortunate than others.
As well as the support received from various celebrities, MoMo has continuing support from Durham University and many other smaller organisations and individuals. Without their support, MoMo could not continue to do the good work it does!
