Health and wellbeing
Walsall to host BabyFest in celebration of World Breastfeeding Week
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Parents, carers and families are invited to a special event in Walsall to mark World Breastfeeding Week (1-7 August).
BabyFest, a free community event, will take place on Tuesday 5 August from 10am to 2pm at The New Art Gallery Walsall. The event will celebrate breastfeeding and infant feeding while supporting individuals and families at every stage of the parenting journey, from expectant parents to those with infants, toddlers and young children, as well as grandparents, carers and extended family members.
Organised by Walsall Family Hubs in collaboration with partner organisations including Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, BabyFest will feature a wide range of engaging activities. These include arts and crafts, storytelling, baby massage, stay-and-play sessions and informative talks and demonstrations. There will also be professional photoshoots available (booking required).
Friendly staff from the Family Hubs and Infant Feeding teams will be on hand to welcome attendees and provide information and support to help families navigate parenthood. Representatives from other services, including maternity, the 0–19 Healthy Child Programme, Walsall Housing Group (whg) Children’s Champions, Food for Life (Soil Association), oral health, and many more will also be present.
A dedicated sensory area will be available for parents, carers and babies to enjoy a calm and engaging space.
“ We’re proud to have organised BabyFest as part of World Breastfeeding Week, celebrating the important role that families, carers and the wider community play in supporting infant feeding and early parenting. This event is a wonderful opportunity for families to come together, access support and enjoy a day filled with fun, learning and connection. Our Family Hubs and partners are here to walk alongside parents and carers at every stage of their journey. “
The event is free to attend and families can drop-in at any time.
Families wishing to book for the photoshoot at the event between 10:30am and 1:00pm can email familyhubs@walsall.gov.uk.
What are Family Hubs?
Family Hubs offer a welcoming space where families can access advice and support from a range of services. The Hubs have been set up to support families with children aged 0-19, or 0-24 for those children with special educational needs and disabilities. With teams located in four locality hubs across the borough, a variety of services can be found all under one roof, to provide the families they work with easier access to these services, to provide the right help at the right time. Practitioners include family support practitioners, health visitors, school nurses, early help police officers, domestic abuse support practitioners, mental health support and substance misuse support.
The four hubs are located at:
• North Family Hub - 275 Blakenall Lane, Blakenall, Walsall WS3 1HJ
• West Family Hub - Ilmington House, Crescent Road, Darlaston, WS10 8AE
• South & Central Family Hub - Birchills Street, Walsall, WS2 8NF
• East Family Hub - Silver Court, Walsall, WS8 6HA
There are also an additional 10 ‘community spokes’ based in voluntary and community buildings across the borough.
The Infant Feeding Team at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust is available to offer specialist advice, individualised support and a breastfeeding peer support group. To find out more visit their website or call 01922 605 248 (available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm).
For further support on infant feeding, including details of support groups and breastfeeding friendly venues, visit the Walsall Family Hubs website.
