For commissioners & funders

Our impact

What we can share today: reach across Ipswich, Colchester and Stowmarket, lived-experience feedback from parents and recognition of our model — including questionnaire outcomes below.

Reach at a glance

1,450+
Families supported since 2023
190
Sessions delivered
~86%
Average session attendance
3
Towns across Suffolk & Essex

Who we reach

Startstrong Fitness CIC delivers free parent & baby fitness classes in:

Ipswich
Colchester
Stowmarket

Demand outstrips supply

1,569
Places booked
399
Turned away to waiting lists
64%
Of sessions ran at capacity

Our outcomes

Feedback is drawn from a 100-response parent questionnaire and from publicly posted reviews (5.0 average across 10 reviews).

Self-reported, scored out of 10 · 100-response parent questionnaire · "not applicable" responses excluded (the anxiety measure reflects the 80 parents for whom it applied). Formal, independently measured outcome data is in development through the University of Suffolk partnership.

9.0/10
Reduced anxiety
85% rated 8+
9.1/10
Improved mental wellbeing
90% rated 8+
8.8/10
Felt less isolated
81% rated 8+
9.4/10
Physical health improved
94% rated 8+

Themes from lived-experience feedback

These themes come from publicly posted parent reviews — not from formal outcome measurement. They describe what parents say they value and how that maps to common commissioning priorities.

Perinatal mental health
In publicly posted reviews and questionnaire feedback, parents describe our classes as a "lifeline" — a non-clinical community setting that supports postpartum anxiety, low mood and the emotional weight of early parenthood.
Physical recovery
Parents report specialist-led modifications that support recovery after caesarean, pelvic floor concerns and other postnatal physical challenges — at a pace that respects each body.
Reducing isolation
Reviews and questionnaire responses often mention getting out of the house, meeting other parents and building belonging — themes that align with common commissioner priorities on social connection.
Removing the childcare barrier
Babies attend alongside parents with mats and toys provided — parents can exercise without arranging separate childcare, a barrier many reviews highlight.
Inclusive & non-judgmental
Parents report feeling welcome at all abilities. Mums and dads are equally invited — reviews describe a non-judgmental atmosphere with clear exercise progressions.

What parents say

Curated from publicly posted reviews.

Perinatal mental health & physical recovery
“Startstrong Fitness CIC has been a cornerstone of my postpartum recovery… a lifeline while I navigated the challenges of a weakened bladder and postpartum anxiety.”
— Roxie H.
Physical recovery
“They've really helped me get back to fitness after my caesarean. Incredibly welcoming and she's brilliant at adapting the exercises to everyone's needs.”
— Charlotte R.
Childcare barrier removed
“This group has been fantastic in motivating me to keep active after the birth of my second child. A safe and welcoming environment to work out without the worry of finding childcare.”
— Leah D.
Reducing isolation
“A great way to get out of the house, meet other mums and get my fitness back. A lovely, friendly, welcoming group.”
— Jemma C., Ipswich

How we align with national priorities

Startstrong Fitness CIC is not a contracted NHS or local authority service. The alignment below describes how our community classes map to widely recognised family and perinatal priorities — not a claim of formal partnership or funded delivery.

Perinatal mental health
Structured, low-barrier social contact and gentle activity — both recognised protective factors for postnatal wellbeing.
Family Hubs
Family Hubs aim to connect families with community services. Startstrong Fitness CIC provides a free, accessible entry point for postnatal parents — particularly those who may not engage with clinical routes alone.
Start for Life & the first 1,001 days
Regular local contact and gentle activity in the critical early window — one component of the wider family support ecosystem.
Health inequalities
Free at the point of access, removing the financial and childcare barriers that often block postnatal fitness and support.