Mums and mums-to-be across Bassetlaw can now access free exercise and wellbeing sessions thanks to a new partnership between Barnsley Premier Leisure and Bassetlaw District Council.

The Healthy Mums programme forms part of BPL's Let's Get Going initiative, which aims to help more people become more physically active.

Through match funding from Bassetlaw District Council, sessions are free of charge within a six-month pilot scheme.

The programme offers support for women during pregnancy and after giving birth, through two tailored activities.

New mums and mums-to-be can take advantage of free health and wellbeing incentives in Bassetlaw.

placeholder image — New mums and mums-to-be can take advantage of free health and wellbeing incentives in Bassetlaw.

Bump Boost is a personalised water-based exercise programme for pregnant women, helping them stay active throughout pregnancy at Your Space leisure centres in Retford, Worksop and Bircotes.

For new mums, the Healthy Mums Buggy Walk combines outdoor exercise, postnatal fitness, pelvic floor awareness and wellbeing support at Idle Valley Nature Reserve.

The instructor-led sessions, held every Thursday between 9.30am and 11am, also provide opportunities for local parents to meet and access information about support services.

Angela Dainty, health and wellbeing delivery manager at BPL, said:" Healthy Mums gives women the opportunity to stay active while meeting other local mums in a supportive environment.

"The programme has been shaped with input from community midwives and, thanks to funding from Bassetlaw District Council, we are able to offer these sessions free of charge during the pilot period."

Shane Atkins, interim head of neighbourhood services, said: "We know that pregnancy and the early months of parenthood can be a rewarding but sometimes challenging time, so it's fantastic to see this new partnership removing barriers and helping local mums put their health and wellbeing first.

"By offering these sessions free of charge, we're helping mums and mums-to-be stay active, build confidence and connect with others in a supportive environment."

The programme was developed with input from community midwives and is backed by maternity professionals at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Kelly Pettyfer, community midwifery manager at DBTH NHS Foundation Trust, said:"We have been really impressed with the Bump Boost programme.

"The content is engaging, informative and well presented. From a midwifery perspective, it is a fantastic resource that complements the work of our maternity teams and supports women and families to feel informed and empowered throughout their pregnancy."

For more information or to sign up to the Bump Boost or Buggy Walk, visit https://www.letsgetgoing.com.