Local mum teams up with experts to present children’s welfare report to the House of Commons
On 7th September, the Children’s Alliance, an organisation for the betterment of children’s lives in the UK, presented a suite of four reports, Early Years, Physical Health, Mental Health and the final report, Family and Community, at an event at the House of Commons. Representing the voice of children from across Banbury, local mum of two and spokesperson for the organisation, Tamsin Brewis, was leading the charge on the day, supporting the cause and communicating the report's primary goals.
The Children’s Alliance aim to broaden the public’s and politicians’ awareness of the health and wellbeing issues children face in the UK, in the hope that a ministerial position dedicated to improving children’s lives will be created. This report is the last of four to advocate for policy change at a senior government level. The event was crucial in raising awareness of how important the first five years are in a child’s life, and how we can all help make a positive difference for future generations.
The event was hosted by Anna Firth, MP for Southend West and a long-standing proponent for the wellbeing of children, having founded the Invicta National Academy in 2020 and recently appointed to the House of Commons Education Select Committee this year. Also championing the cause was Tamsin, owner of Water Babies Bucks & Beds baby swim school, who has advocated for the importance of instilling confidence in children and has been pivotal in the passing of this report. Also in attendance was pop star and father of four, Peter Andre, Water Babies directors Paul Thompson and Howard Harrison and partner of the late CEO and founder of Water Babies, Alison Franks.
Steve Franks, CEO and founder of Water Babies, was a Board member of the ukactive Kids Council. Like Tamsin, he had a passion for improving children’s development. By always striving to help young children from the age of six weeks, both in and out of the pool, Tamsin is continuing the legacy that Steve left after his passing in 2020. “As a member of the Children’s Alliance, I know first-hand how proud we all are to continue working towards a better future in Steve’s memory,” said Tain. “We are thrilled that these reports have been recognised and presented at the House of Commons as it signifies that the steps we are taking to help young children in the community are worthwhile. We know Steve would be pleased with what we’re accomplishing.”
Water Babies’ purpose of improving children’s wellbeing includes their mental wellbeing. These reports propose that NHS England and the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities should adopt a public mental health approach. This includes recognising the importance of early detection and prompt access to professional treatment that should be available to prevent mental ill health early on in life. Baroness Frances D’Souza, Honorary President of The Children’s Alliance, echoes the importance of this issue. “The earlier the intervention for a child that is struggling mentally, the less likely that successive adult societies will pay a human and economic bill for mental illness,” suggesting the earlier a child is helped with their wellbeing, the better this will be for future generations, both economically and socially.
Tamsin understands just how necessary this early intervention is, as is evident from her commitment to improving children’s early development since 2004. She believes “water confidence builds life confidence” and the things the children experience in the pool, such as overcoming an obstacle or learning a new skill, will help them in their daily lives too, giving them the confidence to handle challenges on dry land. Proof of how influential Tamsin’s swim school is, comes from the success stories shared over the last 18 years. From gradually building confidence in young children to inspiring competitive swimmers, Tamsin has played a vital part in creating a better start in life for children all around the area.
For more information about Water Babies Bucks and Beds, visit www.waterbabies.co.uk/lp/baby-swimming/bucks-and-beds