A group of caring and diligent volunteers have been recognised for their vital contribution to breastfeeding support.

The Breastfeeding Buddies from Bedfordshire Community Health Services (part of Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust) are regional winners for the Volunteer Award category in the NHS Parliamentary Awards, for the support they give in Baby Brasseries, which are groups based in children’s centres in Bedford Borough and Central Bedfordshire. They were nominated by Mohammed Yasin MP and Richard Fuller MP and shortlisted to go forward to the national judging panel, with national winners being announced at an award ceremony on 5 July 2023.

The Buddies are all parents who have breastfed/chestfed their own children, and this is key to the 10-year-old programme’s success, as parents welcome the support that comes from a peer who has their own personal experience of infant feeding. Volunteers have time to listen to a parent talk about their experiences, and Buddies are trained in active listening and communication skills, meaning that they are able to be non-judgemental and empathetic when supporting parents. Baby Brasseries are inclusive groups which can be accessed without referral and offer support to expectant parents and nursing parents throughout their journey, no matter how long or short.

Karen Fell, Volunteer Lead at Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust said: “I’m delighted that our volunteers have been shortlisted for the national Volunteer Award. It recognises both past and present Buddies, with immense gratitude for their contribution.”

The NHS Parliamentary Awards launched in 2018 to celebrate the NHS’ 70 birthday and recognise the outstanding contribution of staff, volunteers and others working in the health and care sector. Now in its sixth year, the awards have been an overwhelming success with more than 700 nominations being submitted by over half of MPs representing constituencies in England last year alone.

These awards also provide an excellent opportunity for health and care organisations to engage with their local MPs, tell them about the work they do, and build or strengthen ongoing relationships.

Sarah Pickford, Baby Friendly Lead said: “We are over the moon that we have been recognised for this award and are excited to go to the national awards next month.

“By offering easily accessible infant feeding support, the Bedfordshire Breastfeeding Buddies complement the support that the 0-19 team and children’s centre teams offer to families.”

With a sustainable rolling programme of recruitment and training in place, the longevity of the programme is assured. It is also no stranger to being recognised for its key contribution. Bedfordshire Community Health Services were the first service in the East of England to achieve the Unicef Gold Award for Baby Friendly Accreditation (in 2020). This is the highest level of Unicef Baby Friendly accreditation and celebrates excellent and sustained practice in the support of infant feeding and parent-infant relationships. [END]

For further information contact Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust’s Communications Team on katrina.marshall-beharry@nhs.net or 07517553074.

Notes for editors

Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust provides the following extensive portfolio of services:

• a range of children’s services to children, young people and families in (Cambridgeshire and Norfolk)
• school age immunisation programme (Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Peterborough and Suffolk)
• iCaSH: Integrated Contraception and Sexual Health Services (Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Milton Keynes, Norfolk, Peterborough and Suffolk)
• dental services (Cambridgeshire, Peterborough and Suffolk)
• musculo-skeletal services and pelvic health physiotherapy services (Cambridgeshire and Peterborough)
• the Oliver Zangwill Centre for Neuropsychological Rehabilitation and the Evelyn Community Head Injury Service
• Children and Adults’ Community Health services for the residents of Luton
• Children and Adults’ Community Health services for the residents of Bedfordshire are provided in partnership with East London NHS Foundation Trust (ELFT).

Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust: providing services across Bedfordshire,  Cambridgeshire, Luton, Norfolk, Peterborough and Suffolk

www.cambscommunityservices.nhs.uk

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