Slimming World sponsors RCM’s Excellence in Midwifery for Public Health award

Susan McAuliffe, a midwife from Manchester has won the award in recognition of her leading contribution to a project that has increased healthy eating among vulnerable pregnant women across Greater Manchester.

Susan, Public Health Matron at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, spotted that as many as 5000 eligible pregnant women across Manchester were not claiming money for fruit and vegetables through the Healthy Start Scheme and so set out to increase its uptake. The NHS initiative was introduced to help women who are pregnant or have young children and are receiving benefits, buy foods essential for a healthy, balanced diet.  

Alexandra Clark, Registered Nutritionist at Slimming World, says: “We’re thrilled to support the Excellence in Midwifery for Public Health award, especially this year with its focus on healthy eating among vulnerable pregnant women. We know through our own recent research into the impacts of the cost-of-living crisis that half of UK adults say increasing food costs are making it harder to make healthy food choices.

RCM Chief Executive, Gill Walton says: “This is an incredible story of a dedicated midwife creating a game-changing initiative across a whole city that is leading to healthier women, healthier pregnancies, and healthier babies. She not only looked within her own maternity services to change things, but without as well, highlighting how important multi-agency collaboration is to the health of women in pregnancy. This is certainly a model that could be replicated in cities across the UK, and for this Susan is a truly inspirational winner.”

Susan’s leading role saw her working with several agencies including maternity services, health visitors and other agencies - including the Citizen’s Advice Bureau and the Manchester Central Food Bank - to raise awareness of Healthy Start Scheme grants among those supporting women. She also organised targeted support in specific areas across the city, where high numbers of women were missing out on claiming. This has resulted in claims across the city increasing from 65% to 73% with expectations of it climbing further.

Alongside this, Susan is also helping to produce a training video and slides as part of a Manchester Multiagency Task force.

Alex continues: “Slimming World is the only weight management organisation that supports pregnant and breastfeeding women with a healthier lifestyle, involving their midwife and healthcare team throughout.

“We have been working in partnership with the RCM for several years and our focus isn’t to encourage weight loss during pregnancy, but to support women to adopt a balanced, healthy diet to prevent excess weight gain. Midwives are at the heart of this partnership, and we want to ensure they continue to be supported in the exceptional work they do.”

Slimming World and the RCM have created a dedicated website to help women successfully manage their weight healthily before, during and following the birth of their child, while breastfeeding.