• Bolton Family Hubs awarded Certificate of Commitment by UNICEF UK
• Certification recognises action plan towards meeting UNICEF UK’s Baby Friendly Initiative standards
• Bolton Family Hubs are delivered by Bolton NHS Foundation Trust and Bolton Council

Bolton Family Hubs have been awarded a Certificate of Commitment in its first step towards gaining recognition from UNICEF UK’s Baby Friendly Initiative.

The Hubs are delivered by Bolton NHS Foundation Trust and Bolton Council and offer a range of activities and integrated support services to help with parenting, so children get the best possible start in life.

The Baby Friendly Initiative is a global programme which aims to transform healthcare for babies, their mothers and families as part of a wider global partnership between UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Cllr Martin Donaghy, Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said:

This award from the UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative is a reflection of our ongoing commitment to improving care for babies and mothers in Bolton.

“We set out to ensure that all mothers and babies are supported to form a close and loving relationship – whatever their choice of feeding method – as this is the best start for every baby.

Tyrone Roberts, Chief Nursing Officer at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, added:

We’re really pleased to be recognised for the work we’re doing to improve care and education for families in Bolton.

“Breastfeeding protects babies against a wide range of serious illnesses, including gastroenteritis and respiratory infections in infancy, as well as cardiovascular disease, asthma, diabetes and obesity later in life. We also know that breastfeeding reduces the mother’s risk of some cancers, and that it supports the mental health of both mother and baby.

In the UK, the Baby Friendly Initiative works with public services to better support families with feeding and developing close, loving relationships in order to ensure that all babies get the best possible start in life.

The Certificate of Commitment recognises services that are dedicated to implementing recognised best practice standards.

“We are delighted that Bolton Family Hubs has received this award,” said UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative Deputy Programme Director Anne Woods.

Our work to support breastfeeding is based on extensive and resounding evidence that breastfeeding saves lives, improves health and cuts costs in every country worldwide, rich and poor alike. Mothers at Bolton Family Hubs have the satisfaction of knowing that their midwives, health visitors, breastfeeding peer supporters, Family Hub Practitioners and other staff working in the hubs are aiming to provide the highest standard of care.

Bolton Family Hubs and Start Well Centres are places where families with children under the age of five years and beyond can share the joys and challenges of parenthood. More information is available on Bolton Council’s website.