Children's services
Walsall Family Hubs gain ‘Baby Friendly’ UNICEF UK certificate
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Walsall Council’s Family Hubs have been awarded a Certificate of Commitment, in their first step towards gaining recognition from the UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK) Baby Friendly Initiative.
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 Organisation (WHO).
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 that a health care facility is dedicated to implementing recognised best practice standards.
“ This certificate reflects our ongoing commitment to be a child-friendly borough and provide children with the best start in life.
The Family Hubs have been set up to help families in the borough, and we host breastfeeding peer support groups to help mothers and babies form a close and loving relationship, irrespective of their chosen feeding method.
I’m really proud of the team who have worked hard to achieve the Certificate of Commitment, and we will continue to progress towards our Family Hubs becoming UNICEF UK accredited Baby Friendly facilities. “
“ 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 in Walsall have the satisfaction of knowing that their midwives/health visitors are aiming to provide the highest standard of care “
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Further information
About Family Hubs in Walsall
Family Hubs are a ‘one-stop-shop’ for families with children aged 0-19, or up to 25 years old for those with additional needs.
The Hubs centralise a range of essential services all under one roof so parents can access the support they or their family need.
Services include access to social workers, family support practitioners, health visitors, school nurses, Early Help, police officers, domestic abuse support, mental health support and substance misuse support.
There are four locality hubs in Walsall. You can visit the Family Hubs at the following locations:
North Locality Family Hub Address: 275 Blakenall Lane, Blakenall, Walsall WS3 1HJ Telephone: 01922 654589
West Locality Family Hub Address: Ilmington House, Crescent Road, Wednesbury, WS10 8AE Telephone: 01922 652959
South and Central Locality Family Hub Address: Birchills Street, Walsall, WS2 8N Telephone: 01922 654545
East Locality Family Hub Address: Silver Court, Walsall, WS8 6HA Telephone: 01922 658300
More information about the Hubs can be found at: https://www.walsallfamilyhubs.co.uk/
About UNICEF UK
The United Kingdom Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK) is a registered charity that raises funds for UNICEF’s emergency and development work around the world and advocates for lasting change for children worldwide. This includes, for example, working to change UK Government policies and practices that are harmful to child rights in the UK and internationally. UNICEF UK is one of 33 UNICEF national charitable organisations based in industrialised countries.
