Hello Everyone

It’s been quite a while since I last wrote with an update and it seems like the world is in a different and still changing time and place these days. I hope that you are keeping well and safe as possible.

In all of this turmoil though, life still goes on and, very sadly, so does the need for combatting the devastating effects of Group B Strep.

You may already be aware that July is Strep B Awareness month and so it is the time for us to be particularly focused in our efforts to spread information and awareness about the risks of and the need for testing for GBS to all expectant parents.

We have seen some amazing progress in the UK, including the major clinical GBS3 trial now underway in the UK, involving at least 320,000 women and looking at the effectiveness of two different GBS tests compared with standard care. We've also seen Group B Strep Support work with the Royal College of Midwives to develop online learning for RCM members on Group B Strep. And just this week we saw the publication of a major report highlighting failures to follow national guidelines to prevent these infections in babies, calling for better adoption and adherence to national guidelines.

These welcome improvements will inevitably take some time to filter through the benefits to pregnant women though, and so you can help by checking information and sharing from the Group B Strep Support charity’s website and social media today. They've also produced some new videos to provide helpful and reassuring information easily to all expectant mums. You can see one of the brilliant videos by clicking the link below.

As always, thank you so much for your support and continued efforts to help stop any more babies like our beautiful Edward suffering from the horrors of GBS. Especially in these extra-challenging times.

Stay safe and be kind.

Fiona