Introducing The APF's MotherBoard and MotherBoard Pro

Help us to shape how we deliver physical activity messaging to the women who need it most

At The APF we hear from women who tell us they wanted to stay active during pregnancy, but didn't know where to turn for advice they could trust. Some have been given conflicting information, others have struggled with symptoms, confidence, mental health, finances or simply finding the time. Many tell us they felt they had to navigate it all on their own.

At the same time, we've worked with healthcare professionals, researchers, fitness specialists, policymakers and community organisations who are equally passionate about improving maternal health but know that supporting women to be active during pregnancy and after birth isn't always straightforward.

Both perspectives matter.

If we're serious about improving the health outcomes of women throughout their childbearing years, we need to listen to the women living these experiences and the professionals working alongside them. That's why we're excited to launch two new advisory groups: the MotherBoard and MotherBoard Pro.

Together, these 'sister' boards will help ensure our work is shaped by the people it exists to support.

The MotherBoard

For us lived experience is expertise. Research and evidence are vital, but so are the stories behind the statistics. Understanding what helped, what got in the way and what women wish had been different helps us create better resources, stronger campaigns and more meaningful change. The MotherBoard is a community of women who will help shape the future of our work.

We're looking for women who are pregnant, have recently had a baby, are planning a pregnancy or have experienced pregnancy loss. You don't need any qualifications or professional experience, just a willingness to share your perspective.

We're particularly keen to hear from women whose voices are too often missing from conversations about physical activity in pregnancy, including women from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities, women living with disabilities or long-term health conditions, women who have experienced perinatal mental health challenges, and those who have faced barriers to being active during or after pregnancy.

Members will take part in online meetings, approx 6-8hrs a year, and may occasionally be invited to give feedback on resources, campaigns or new ideas. We'll provide gift vouchers to thank you for your time because we know your experiences have real value.

Introducing MotherBoard Pro

Alongside lived experience, we understand that improving outcomes for women requires collaboration across the whole system.

That's why we're also launching MotherBoard Pro – a new professional advisory board bringing together people working across healthcare, maternity services, physical activity, public health, mental health, charities, research, industry, communications and government. Our ambition is to create a space where people with different expertise can learn from one another and help shape the future of perinatal physical activity.

As The APF continues to work with partners, including Sport England, we're increasingly looking to influence the wider systems that affect women's health. We want our resources, campaigns and partnerships to be informed by the professionals supporting women every day, as well as by the women themselves.

Members of MotherBoard Pro will also meet online, again approx 6-8hrs a year, with opportunities to contribute ideas and feedback between meetings. Members will be able to connect with colleagues across sectors, contribute to national conversations and help shape work that could impact on the lives of thousands of pregnant and postnatal women.

Why both groups matter

Too often, decisions about women are made without women. Equally, good ideas can struggle to create change if they're not informed by the people working within healthcare, public health, physical activity and policy. We don't think it should be an either/or.

Women bring the realities of everyday life during pregnancy and after birth. Professionals bring evidence, expertise and an understanding of how systems work. Bringing those voices together gives us the best possible chance of creating resources, influencing policy and improving support for women to stay active throughout their childbearing years.

That's exactly what the MotherBoard and MotherBoard Pro are here to do.

We'd love you to join us

If you're pregnant, have recently had a baby, are planning a pregnancy or have experienced pregnancy loss, we'd love to hear from you.

If you're a professional whose work supports pregnant or postnatal women, we'd love to hear from you too.

Together, we can build a future where every woman has the information, confidence and support she needs to enjoy the benefits of being active during this crucial life stage.

What next?

If you're interested in joining the MotherBoard -

→ Find out more and apply

If you'd like to join the MotherBoard Pro -.

→ Find out more and express an interest