‘9 Miles for 9 Steps: Walking for Safer Sleep’ – Fundraiser for Safer Sleep Week

During Safer Sleep Week this year, our Trust’s Hull and East Riding 0-19 integrated specialist public health nurse services (ISPHNs/IPHNs) are planning to complete a 9-mile walk for charity, visiting children’s centres across the local area.

9 Miles for 9 Steps: Walking for Safer Sleep is aptly named for the journey which will raise awareness of safer sleep best practice to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. Find more information on the 9 steps here.

In Yorkshire and Humber in last 5 years ending 31/3/24, 9.5% of deaths reviewed were sudden unexpected and unexplained. 77% had modifiable factors.

The 0-19 ISPHN/IPHN service is involved in this Trust wide initiative with the aim of promoting public health messaging around safer sleep and providing support for families. The teams will be visiting children’s centres in the Hull and East Riding area and hosting family-friendly activities and competitions, designed to raise awareness of safer sleep.

The Hull team will cover 4 miles across several locations in the city centre starting at Octagon Family Hub and visiting Hull Royal Women and Children’s Hospital, St Stephens Shopping Centre and the Hull Milk Trail. 

The East Riding team will host an activity at Cottingham Children’s Centre first thing before commencing their 5-mile walk to Anlaby Children’s Centre.

The walk will not only share the valuable safer sleep steps and raise awareness with the families of Hull and East Riding, but sponsorship raised will help to create funds for Health Stars charity. Health Stars is the charity of our Trust, who help to enhance the health care experiences and outcomes for thousands of people across East Yorkshire, Hull and North Yorkshire.

Sarah Clapham, East Riding 0-19 Modern Matron at Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust said, “This walk will help us raise funds to continue the fantastic work being done by Health Stars but isn’t just about raising money; it’s about connecting with the families we support in a meaningful way. By participating in this walk, we hope to inspire families and show our commitment to them.”

Safer Sleep Week 2025 runs from 10 to 16 March, focusing this year on what baby sleep should look like, versus when parents may need to seek help. It also aims to challenge common myths that can be seen online surrounding baby sleep and support parents with ways to help when they are feeling sleep deprived. The Hull team will begin their walk on Tuesday 11 March at 9:30am in Hull City Centre. The East Riding team will begin their walk on Tuesday 11 March at 9:30am in Cottingham.

To support the teams efforts, donations can be made through their Just Giving page, helping to ensure more families receive the support they need to thrive.