Help Shape a Walking Sport Program for New Mums

About the Project and the Involvement Opportunity

Stepping Back In: Walking Sport for Postpartum Women in Western Australia is a three-year research project led by Dr Caitlin Liddelow from the School of Human Sciences at The University of Western Australia and funded by Healthway.

Returning to physical activity after having a baby can be difficult. Women may experience a range of practical, physical and social barriers, including lack of time, childcare responsibilities, changes to their body and confidence, and fewer opportunities to be active in ways that feel enjoyable and socially connected. This project will work with postpartum women and community partners to co-design, pilot and evaluate a walking sport program specifically for women in WA after having a baby. The program aims to provide an accessible and enjoyable way for women to be physically active while supporting social connection and mental wellbeing.

We are seeking two women with lived experience of the postpartum period to join our Project Steering Committee, including one Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander mother. Aboriginal consumer involvement is a valued and integral part of the project, rather than a stand alone consultation. We want Aboriginal perspectives to inform the project as it develops and help us consider how the program can be relevant, inclusive and adaptable for mothers from different communities across Western Australia.

About the Position

As a consumer/lived-experience representative on the Project Steering Committee, you will work alongside the key research team, health professionals and community sport partners to provide advice and guidance throughout the project.

We are interested in hearing your perspective as someone with lived experience of the postpartum period. You may be asked to provide feedback on areas such as how we recruit women to the research, the accessibility and acceptability of the program, study materials and communication, and how the findings are shared with women and the wider community.

You do not need research experience or specialist knowledge. Your lived experience and perspective are the expertise you bring to the Committee. The Steering Committee is advisory, so consumer representatives will not be responsible for conducting or managing the research.

What Am I Expected to Do?

• Attend regular meetings with the research team (e.g., monthly or quarterly)
• Review documents (e.g., grant applications, consent forms, surveys)
• Share your lived experience and insights
• Optional: Participate in public presentations or forums
• Help design participant recruitment strategies

Other: Provide feedback on the accessibility, acceptability and inclusiveness of the walking sport program and how the project communicates with postpartum women in WA

What Skills or Experience Do I Need?

You do not need any previous research experience to be involved.

We are looking for women who:

• have lived experience of the postpartum period;
• feel comfortable sharing their perspectives and ideas in a supportive group setting;
• are interested in improving opportunities for women to be physically active and socially connected after having a baby; and
• are willing to provide constructive feedback throughout the project.

You do not need to currently participate in sport or consider yourself “sporty”. We are interested in hearing from women with a range of experiences of physical activity and sport.

For one of the two positions, we are specifically seeking an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander mother who is comfortable contributing her lived experience and cultural perspectives to the project. We recognise that no individual can represent the experiences of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. You will not be expected to speak on behalf of all Aboriginal mothers or carry sole responsibility for the cultural appropriateness of the research. Instead, your perspective will form an important part of a broader commitment to ensuring the project considers the needs of diverse mothers and communities across Western Australia.

How Long Am I Expected to Be Involved?

The project will run from 2026 to 2029, and we hope that consumer representatives will be involved throughout the project where possible. The Steering Committee will meet approximately twice per year (virtually), with each meeting expected to last around two hours. Members may also be asked to spend up to two hours preparing for each meeting, for example by reviewing a short document or project update.

There may occasionally be opportunities to provide feedback by email between meetings.

We understand that family and caring responsibilities can change, particularly during the postpartum period, and will aim to make involvement as flexible as possible (i.e., meeting virtually, at a mutually convenient time for all members).

Where Will Meetings Be Held?

Online via Zoom

What Support Is Offered?

Consumer representatives will be reimbursed for their time, including reasonable preparation time. An honorarium of $50.00 AUD per hour will be provided, in line with CCIProgram guidelines. Consumer representatives will also be supported by the research team and provided with any information or background needed to participate meaningfully in Steering Committee discussions.

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