Bolton’s Best Start Family Hubs have secured Stage 1 accreditation from the UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative, marking a significant milestone in their commitment to supporting parents, babies and families across the borough.
The recognition highlights the quality of care, support and expertise available through Bolton’s Family Hubs, which are delivered through a partnership between Bolton Council, Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, Bolton Together, Bolton CVS and Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust.
The UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative sets internationally recognised standards for maternity, neonatal and community health services, helping organisations improve outcomes for babies, mothers and families. Achieving Stage 1 status demonstrates that Bolton’s Family Hubs have established the foundations needed to embed best practice and progress towards full accreditation, with the potential to ultimately achieve the prestigious Gold Award.
The award reflects the positive workplace culture within the Family Hubs, alongside the knowledge, skills and commitment of staff who support local families every day.
A key objective of the Baby Friendly Initiative is to encourage and support breastfeeding, helping parents build strong emotional bonds with their babies while delivering long-term health benefits for both mother and child.
Evidence shows that breastfeeding can help protect infants against a range of health conditions, including infections, asthma, diabetes and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). For mothers, breastfeeding is associated with a reduced risk of certain cancers and cardiovascular disease.
The wider health benefits can also contribute to reduced demand on healthcare services by lowering the need for medications, GP appointments and hospital visits throughout a child’s life.
Bolton’s Best Start Family Hubs provide a broad range of services for children and young people up to 19 years of age, and up to 25 for those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, through a network of locations across the borough.
Vicky Davies, Specialist Health Visitor and Infant Feeding Co-ordinator for Best Start Family Hubs, said:
“We’re delighted to have achieved stage one accreditation, as it recognises the work we’ve done to embed a firm foundation from which we can work towards full accreditation.
“I want to thank all the staff working within the hubs for their support in helping to achieve this exciting milestone.”
The achievement reinforces Bolton’s commitment to giving children the best possible start in life and strengthening support for families during the crucial early years.
Image credit: iStock
