The Essential Baby Co. - Case Study

Empowering Digital Champions in the haPPIE Academy
The haPPIE™ Initiative is a community-powered movement transforming maternity and family healthcare. This initiative ensures patients and public voices shape the services, education and policies that directly impact them, aiming to stop healthcare gaps and strengthen underrepresented
f444a0_15bcbce6004b46d1ac2739e4271cf1af~mv2
Four dedicated haPPIE Members, aged between 30 and 65, embarked on a journey to become Digital Champions within the haPPIE Academy. Wanting to empowering their community, they received comprehensive training through the Digital Inclusion programme – giving them the knowledge, tools, and resources necessary for success. They were tasked with designing at least two projects that focused on increasing digital inclusion with an emphasis on women and the NHS App.

Training and Preparation

The Digital Champions attended t sessions that covered essential digital literacy skills, the use of health apps such as the NHS App and BadgerNet, a digital maternity healthcare record and effective community engagement strategies. This training provided them with an understanding of how to influence their existing networks to create a safe, welcoming space for peers to learn about digital tools for health. The approach emphasised peer-led, relaxed environments that promoted trust and curiosity to make learning more approachable and meaningful.

Project Development and Implementation

Each Digital Champion crafted unique projects tailored to their communities:
  •  Interactive Workshops at Baby Groups and Cafés:

One champion hosted interactive sessions at local baby groups and family-friendly cafés. These gatherings allowed mothers and caregivers to explore the NHS App in a relaxed, informal setting while managing their daily routines. The sessions highlighted benefits such as booking GP appointments, accessing health records, and managing repeat prescriptions. Common registration challenges were discussed openly, and practical solutions were provided.

  •  Community Group Health Events:


Another volunteer champion organised targeted health events within community centres. These events were inclusive, encouraging participation from all genders . The attendees learned how to download, register, and navigate the NHS App, with a focus on overcoming common issues such as password resets and identity verification.

  • Social Events and Gatherings:

To reach a broader audience, a digital champion led demonstrations during community social events. These events used storytelling and personal experiences to convey the app’s utility, bridging the gap between digital tools and real-life health management.

  • Workshops at Targeted Health Gatherings:
The fourth champion facilitated workshops during health-focused gatherings, creating a safe space for discussions around digital health literacy. Participants explored how apps like the NHS App and BadgerNet could simplify their interactions with healthcare services and improve their health management skills.


Impact and Community Engagement

The relaxed, peer-led nature of these projects proved successful. Attendees felt more comfortable asking questions, expressing concerns, and experimenting with digital tools without fear of judgement. Participants gained confidence in using the NHS App and shared their newfound knowledge with friends and family which has amplified the impact of the project. The champions’ efforts showcased how familiar environments could facilitate open, honest conversations about technology and health.

Continued Commitment and Future Developments

The four Digital Champions have remained committed to their roles, continuing to provide guidance and mentorship to their communities. Their success has inspired more haPPIE Members to step forward, expressing interest in becoming Digital Champions.


To build on this momentum, we are developing an accessible digital course as part of the My Digital Maternity Journey module to support future projects and ensure long-term sustainability and impact. This initiative exemplifies how targeted training, strategic resource allocation, and community-driven engagement can increase digital inclusion, empower individuals to make informed health decisions and, contribute to healthier, more connected communities.