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The Association of Paediatric Chartered Physiotherapists (APCP) unveiled an Early Years Movement Hub – part of wider project titled Starting2Move – today (22 February), in a bid to promote the following key message: ‘From the beginning of life, movement is important for everyone.’

The launch coincided with the fiftieth anniversary of the APCP, which is one of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy’s (CSP) recognised professional networks.

APCP members created the project to give families and professionals free access to ‘credible and inclusive early years movement information’. Still a ‘work in progress’, the initiative offers a range of practical tips and resources to support movement in the early years of life.

‘A little bit about me’ template

As the website states: ‘Paediatric physiotherapists use their expertise in movement to promote healthy development, and health lifestyles, for children and young people from birth to 19 years.’

One of the resources available from the website is a template titled: ‘A little bit about me: a little guide to help me move’ – which professionals can use with families to provide individualised movement advice drawing information from the hub (see main image).

Paediatric physiotherapists use their expertise in movement to promote healthy development, and health lifestyles, for children and young people from birth to 19 years

Topics covered on the Early Years Movement Hub include

• why is movement important; practical tips for early years movement
• toys and equipment; clothing and footwear; sleep
• awake time ideas for babies born prematurely; supporting play in hospital; holding and carrying
• resources include posters, videos, examples of good practice and links for further information and guidance

The Starting2Move project was funded by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) and the APCP. It was created, and led, by Jemma Bell, APCP public relations officer and senior paediatric physiotherapist at Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, with support from Kerry McGarrity, APCP administrator and advanced physiotherapy practitioner at Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust. 

To find out more about Jemma Bell and the APCP national committee, visit: https://apcp.csp.org.uk/content/apcp-national-committee

The illustrations for the project were created by Hannah Littler-Smith and The Great North Children’s Hospital Foundation, part of the Newcastle Hospitals Charity. 

For more information about the network in general, visit: https://apcp.csp.org.uk/ Twitter: @TheAPCP