Our Supporters
"It can be daunting to start getting physically active and what might people think of me? Fitmums and Friends are just wonderful at making a person feel welcomed, supported and involved in starting and staying being active. We know at Active Humber the importance of having supportive and encouraging friends to be active and Fitmums and friends are so good at doing that. An amazing organisation and having a wonderful positive and inclusive impact across the communities of the Humber".
David Gent
CEO, Active Humber
“Fitmums & Friend is a trusted and valued part of the health and well-being landscape across Hull and East Riding responding to the reduced healthy life expectancy in the area and issues of mental well-being. Being commissioned by local councils and NHS bodies to provide services in areas where there has been a formally assessed and recognised gap in provision, indicates the confidence and trust in which Fitmums & Friends is held. The strong organisational core and consistency of its volunteer cadre enables the lead volunteers and coaches to target physical activity for individuals to achieve their unique needs and provide fantastic support to each and every participant. This leads to increased confidence and self-esteem for people as an early intervention in a non-judgmental and non- medicalised environment.
The development of the ‘Mumbot’ App with a local web design company is innovative and shows the commitment of the charity to support volunteers in any way they can.
It is not only the health needs of participants that are supported but, perhaps more importantly given the challenges faced by our communities, all activities focus on inclusion and tackling loneliness and isolation. The focus of Fitmums & Friends’ activities is to have fun, to be with a supportive group within people’s own locality, leading to friendships and community engagement that improves physical and mental health. I am in awe of what Sam and the team have achieved, their continued innovation and how much fun they have!”
Trish Dalby JP, DL
Chair of HEY Smile Foundation
"At Hull and East Yorkshire Mind, we’re proud to work alongside Fitmums and Friends to make a real difference in our local communities. We regularly refer people to each other, ensuring local people can access the right support - whether that’s for their mental or physical wellbeing. Through this close partnership, we’re helping people across Hull and the East Riding feel more connected, improve their wellbeing, and build the confidence to become the best version of themselves".
Emma Dallimore
Chief Exectutive - HEY MIND
"Fitmums and Friends is an inclusive community empowering people of all ages and abilities to get active, build confidence, and connect. Their work embodies Sport England’s ‘Uniting the Movement’ vision — tackling inequalities, strengthening communities, and making physical activity a normal, enjoyable part of everyday life".
Jo Drapier
Head of Partner Relationships - Sport England
"This year marks a fantastic milestone - 10 years of partnership with Fitmums and Friends. We're proud to provide several of our fire stations and our HQ as welcoming meeting bases for their weekly sessions. It's a privilege to support them by offering safe, accessible spaces where members can gather before and after training. This collaboration plays a vital role in promoting health, fitness and social connection in a secure and supportive environment".
Matt Sutcliffe.
Assistant Chief Fire Officer - Humberside Fire & Rescue Service
"The community at Fitmums and Friends is wonderful. The club provides for participants of different ages, different backgrounds and different activity levels. This is of course about sport and physical activity but is also much more than that. Fitmums and Friends are providing activities that can largely be categorised as an investment in education, through the volunteer training and upskilling. Health, in terms of keeping people active and helping to prevent illness and disease and keeping people fit into their older years. Community cohesion, helping to combat loneliness by bringing people together to create that sense of belonging and friendship. It’s been a real pleasure to collaborate with, and witness, the selfless work that Sam, Vickie, and the wider team do at Fitmums and Friends. This huge contribution has rightly been acknowledged and recognised in recent years through the national accolades and awards achieved and long may this success continue".
Chris Jones
CEO England Athletics
"Working with Fitmums and Friends has been an incredibly rewarding experience. As a volunteer-led charity, Fitmums & Friends creates inclusive and supportive opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to engage in physical activity, build social connections, and improve their overall wellbeing. Their unique “shepherding” system ensures no one is left behind, fostering a sense of belonging and encouragement within every session. Whether through running, walking, cycling, or their specialist programmes—such as bereavement support, menopause wellbeing, and junior athletics—Fitmums & Friends consistently demonstrates its commitment to community health and emotional resilience. Being part of this organisation means contributing to a movement that combats loneliness, promotes mental health, and empowers individuals to lead active, connected lives".
Anne Handley
Leader of East Riding of Yorkshire Council