Our Public Health team have been recognised at the Royal College of Midwives Awards.
Jemima Ward, Project Manager, picked up the Excellence in Midwifery for Public Health at the award ceremony for her work on BumpClub Medway.
At the start of pregnancy, around 50% of women are categorised as overweight or obese. BumpClub Medway was launched in March 2021 to help support pregnant and postnatal people make positive lifestyle changes, such as healthier eating and increasing daily exercise.
Walking is the most frequently cited physical activity for pregnant people, and it offers potential solutions to reported barriers such as lack of time, childcare responsibilities, bad weather and lack of exercise equipment.
In March 2022, BumpClub Medway Health Walks was launched, which sees all past, present and future BumpClub Medway members invited to attend a weekly, two-mile local walk.
The judges said that BumpClub Medway is a unique initiative which has a far-reaching impact on tackling obesity, social connectivity and mental health, and encourages local people to have continued engagement in their health and wellbeing for up to two years postnatally.
Brilliant work
Cllr Teresa Murray, Deputy Leader of Medway Council and Portfolio Holder for Public Health, said: “It is fantastic news to see the brilliant work of our Public Health team recognised at the Royal College of Midwives Awards. As well as improving health, the social aspect of BumpClub is really important – as it allows expectant parents to connect with others in a similar position as themselves.
“I would like to offer my congratulations to Jemima, and everyone involved in BumpClub Medway, for their hard work and supporting pregnant women across Medway with their health and wellbeing."
Helping more people adopt healthier lifestyles
Speaking at the awards ceremony, the RCM’s Chief Executive, Gill Walton, said: “Being physically healthy during pregnancy is so important to the baby’s and mum’s wellbeing. The myth of ‘eating for two’ is just that – a myth – and this team have made great headway into helping more people adopt healthier lifestyles.”
To find out more about BumpClub, visit: Medway.gov.uk/BumpClub