Club Doncaster Foundation set to launch new Fit Familes project to support women experiencing baby loss

Club Doncaster Foundation is set to launch the city’s first project to help women who have endured the devastation of baby loss.

In conjunction with Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals’ (DBHT) midwifery service, the free six-week course will follow the successful Fit Families programme which features 30-minutes discussions on a range of topics followed by an hour of physical activity.

Most importantly, it will provide a safe and welcoming environment for participants to meet those who have also suffered bereavement for open discussions.

Set to begin in the new year, each session will take place within the Foundation Fitness gym at the Eco-Power Stadium on Tuesday evenings between 6-7.30pm and are to be funded by Public Health and the NHS South Yorkshire Integrated Care Board.

DBHT bereavement lead for maternity and gynaecology Rhian Morris said: “Sadly, we don’t have an in-person support group for women in this area when they’ve experienced pregnancy loss or the loss of a baby just after birth. I think it’s what we’ve needed in Doncaster for a while.

“We’ve got Sands United for dads but I think it will be hugely valuable to give women dedicated time and space to forge relationships and hopefully grow an additional support group. We want them to have the support they need for whatever their future may bring.

“Also, a lot of our ladies want some form of exercise but don’t have the confidence to go a gym when their body has just gone through the change it has. We all know exercise is good for mental health and this programme will provide that in a safe and supportive place.”

Foundation health and wellbeing officer Lynn Goodman will head up the new project.

“Our baby loss programme has been thoughtfully created to support parents who have experienced the loss of a baby, whether through miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal loss or infant loss,” Lynn said. “We recognise that healing is both emotional and physical and that every journey is unique.

“This programme provides a safe, understanding space. We want to help ladies heal, breathe and move forward, one small, kind step at a time.”

For more information on the new project, email fitfamilies@clubdoncasterfoundation.co.uk or contact 01302 764663.