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Startstrong Fitness CICFamilies Together Suffolk

Startstrong Fitness CIC × Families Together Suffolk

Parent and Carer Needs Survey

15 questions, about 2 minutes — skip anything you would rather not answer.

Startstrong Fitness CIC and Families Together Suffolk are working together to find out what expectant and new parents and carers need, and where support is needed most. Your answers will help us shape local services, put them in the right places and build the case for funding to keep them free.

We are exploring a package of free support for expectant and new parents and their babies (up to age 2), which could include:

  • Parent and baby exercise classes — gentle, welcoming opportunities to get active together.
  • Small group support — a friendly space to meet other new parents, share experiences and build connections.
  • Home visiting support — practical and emotional support from Families Together Suffolk to help navigate the challenges of parenthood, celebrate the good times and build confidence as a parent.

We would really value your views, whether or not you think you would use these services.

Before you start

A few questions ask how you have been feeling. This is not a health assessment and not a diagnosis. If anything here brings something up for you, there are support contacts at the end — and you can always speak to your GP or health visitor.

Your privacy

Your answers are anonymous unless you choose to give us your details at question 14 — and even then, your contact details are stored completely separately from your answers, so the two are never connected. Startstrong Fitness CIC is the data controller for this survey; Families Together Suffolk is our partner in it and receives grouped results only. We use answers to plan services and to show the need to funders, always grouped together, never in a way that identifies you. Both organisations are ICO registered (Startstrong ZC182020, Families Together Suffolk Z7025593); our data protection contacts are Emma Shaw and Angela Dennis. Read our privacy notice for how we look after data and for how long.

1. Which describes you right now?
2. Are you a mum, a dad, or another carer?
3. Who lives at home with you?

This is the most useful answer you can give us — it is how we work out where classes are needed most. It is never published or shared, only grouped with others. Just the first half (like IP14) is all we keep.

5. Since becoming pregnant or having your baby, how often have you felt these?

No right answers. Skip any row you would rather not answer.

Anxious
Isolated or lonely
Low or down in yourself
Physically strong and well
6. Have you experienced any of these, diagnosed or not?

Tick all that apply.

7. What types of support would be useful to you during pregnancy or the first two years after having a baby?

Select all that apply.

What a Startstrong Fitness CIC class is like

45 minutes, completely free, with qualified pre- and postnatal instructors. A self-paced circuit — every exercise has an easier and a harder option, so everyone works at their own level together. Not a bootcamp, not HIIT. Babies up to two come with you, and all equipment and toys are provided. If babies are unsettled, we can show you how to safely bring them into the workout. Mums, dads and carers are all welcome. We want to create a community of like-minded people who get it, so you do not have to navigate parenthood alone.

What home visiting and group support look like

Parenting can sometimes feel lonely and isolating, with no one to talk to. One-to-one support at home gives you someone to listen, support and walk alongside you when you need it most — a safe space to talk and be heard, practical support for everyday challenges and support tailored to your family.

Friendly, welcoming groups are a chance to meet other parents, spend time with your child and enjoy activities together. They're free, relaxed, and non-judgemental, giving you the opportunity to build confidence and connections, and access further support if you need it.

8. How likely would you be to use any of the support listed in question 7 if it were available locally and free of charge?
9. How helpful would you find a programme that offered free parent-and-baby exercise alongside access to emotional and practical family support?
10. Would having someone to support and encourage you, either at home or in a small group, make it easier for you to attend and continue an exercise programme?
11. What might make it difficult for you to access any of the support listed in question 7?

Tick all that apply.

12. When would work best for you?

Tick all that apply.

Optional — as much or as little as you like. Please do not include your name or anything that identifies you here.

14. Would you like us to tell you if any of these services start near you?

This is the only question that asks who you are. If you answer it, your name and email are kept completely separately from your survey answers — the two are never connected. Only Startstrong will contact you. We keep your details for a year after we last get in touch, or a year after you join if we never do, then delete them. To come off the list sooner, email emma@startstrongfitnesscic.com or reply to any message from us.

15. May we use what you have written here, anonymously and without your name, to show funders and our partner Families Together Suffolk why this support matters?

If you need support now

Nobody reads this survey in real time. If you are struggling, please reach out:

  • Your GP, midwife or health visitor — they can refer you to perinatal mental health support
  • NHS 111 — call 111, or 999 in an emergency
  • Samaritans — call 116 123, free, any time of day or night
  • PANDAS Foundation, for pre- and postnatal mental health — pandasfoundation.org.uk, including a free bookable callback
  • Families Together Suffolk — info@familiestogethersuffolk.org.uk, 01379 678552

Families Together Suffolk

Help for families living across Suffolk

Registered charity
1127760
Contact
info@familiestogethersuffolk.org.uk · 01379 678552
For more information about Families Together Suffolk click here (opens in new tab)