Milton Keynes Water Babies boss campaigns to give children a voice in politics

Tamsin Brewis, who owns Water Babies Bucks and Beds, is passionate about children’s health, wellbeing and development and believes not enough is being done by the government to ensure youngsters get the best start in life.

"Our children are fast becoming the least healthy generation in decades, and this is mainly down to access to technology, leading to inactivity, obesity and mental health issues," she said.

Globally, childhood obesity has increased by 28 per cent in less than 25 years, said Tamsin.

"It’s also terrifying to know that a third of 11-year-olds in the UK leave primary school without being able to swim - swimming is a basic life skill which can save lives. Not enough is being done to ensure our children are getting the best start in life. They deserve the support of a designated authoritative voice to drive policies which will improve their future," she added.

She is speaking out during Children’s Mental Health Week and is urging people to sign her petition for a dedicated Children's Minister.

"Although there is already a junior Ministerial post within government - the Minister of State for Children, Young People and Families - this post doesn’t carry enough authority to pass regulations which benefit children in a wider sense," she said.

Tamsin, who has been teaching little ones to swim at pools across Milton Keynes for 16 years, will be campaigning in memory of Steve Franks, the CEO of Water Babies UK. Steve sadly died of Covid in April last year.

He had campaigned tirelessly for the government to appoint a Minister specifically for children.

“We have all been devastated by the sad passing of our much-loved colleague and friend,” said Tamsin. “I was so proud to campaign alongside him and raise the profile of this worthy cause, so it goes without saying that I will continue to champion the bid in his memory.

"Of course, these things take time, but getting this issue in front of policy makers at a higher level will hopefully help us achieve our goal, which is why a nationwide petition has been put in place. We need just under 6,000 signatures to get a response from parliament, so we’re doing all that we can to raise our profile and gain the support of the public.”

Tamsin and her teachers have planned a host of fundraising events throughout 2021 and plan to split the proceeds between the baby charity Tommy’s and the Children’s Alliance.

Later this year there will be the Water Babies Bucks and Beds biennial ‘Splashathon’ event, where little ones take on sponsored challenges in the pool.

“Our aim is to invest the funding in a nationwide initiative that provides free swimming lessons to families that need them most, which is a fundamental component of the entire campaign - promoting the importance of children’s physical and mental health. Bringing this cause to the forefront is of paramount importance to me. Together, we can make a real change," said Tammy,