Mums and mums-to-be across Bassetlaw can now access free exercise and wellbeing sessions thanks to a new partnership between Barnsley Premier Leisure (BPL) 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 physically active and improve their wellbeing. Through match funding provided by Bassetlaw District Council, all sessions will be available free of charge as part of a six-month pilot scheme.
The programme offers support for women during pregnancy and after giving birth through two tailored activities.
Bump Boost is a personalised water-based exercise programme for pregnant women, helping them stay active throughout pregnancy. Sessions take place 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 in the surroundings of Idle Valley Nature Reserve. The instructor-led sessions, which take place every Thursday morning between 9.30am and 11am, also provide an opportunity for participants to meet other local parents and access information about support services available in the area.
Angela Dainty, Health and Wellbeing Delivery Manager at BPL, said:" Healthy Mums gives women the opportunity to stay active while meeting other local mums and mums-to-be 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."
Bassetlaw District Council has supported the programme as part of its wider commitment to improving health and wellbeing across the district and helping residents access opportunities to lead healthier lives.
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. It's a great opportunity for women to look after their health and wellbeing during pregnancy and early parenthood."
The programme has been developed with input from local community midwives and has received the backing of maternity professionals at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
Kelly Pettyfer, Community Midwifery Manager at Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals 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."
The scheme aims to improve both physical and mental wellbeing, while helping women build confidence and connections with others experiencing similar stages of motherhood.
The programme also supports the Council's health and wellbeing priorities, including helping residents achieve the best possible start in life and promoting healthier communities across Bassetlaw.
For more information or to sign up to either the Bump Boost or Buggy Walk, visit https://www.letsgetgoing.com.
ENDS
Last Updated on Thursday, October 22, 2026