The Harrogate parent group Ready Steady Mums will hold its final walk today before the government’s new ‘rule of six’ forces it to stop.
Ready Steady Mums, which was formed in 2016, provides parents with the opportunity to stay fit and socialise.
The group usually meets at St Mark’s Church at 10am on Fridays, does a group walk then enjoys refreshments.
The Stray Ferret recently reported that the parents were able to meet up again following the easing of restrictions.
However, the group’s meetings are set to be cancelled once again due to the new restrictions, which state that from Monday it will be illegal in most circumstances to gather socially in groups of more than six people.
Laura Brett, group leader, said:
“We just can’t justify it. We don’t want to do anything wrong. That being said, we are very disappointed. Particularly as Professor Chris Whitty is emphasising how coronavirus is more dangerous when you are unfit. Our group helps mothers to stay physically fit and it helps their mental health.”
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The new rules take away other benefits of Ready Steady Mums – besides promoting mental and physical health, the group provides a network to help navigate parenthood.
Ms Brett believes groups like hers should be exempt from the rules because of their health benefits and intends to seek clarification from the government on this matter. She said:
“Mums have lost the opportunity to make friends. Some of our members have just moved to the area and haven’t had the chance to meet anybody. The group also provides encouragement, as it is easy to lose confidence in any circumstance, never mind in the current situation. Many of the volunteers were previously midwives, which means that the group allows us to signpost concerns and guide the members to professional help if they need it.”
The group attempted to stay in touch during lockdown to support each other. However, its activities now fall foul of the new rule.
After the final session on Friday the network will still encourage members to meet in smaller groups.