Council 'committed' to supporting breastfeeding mums insists health boss after peer group closes
A council’s health boss has insisted the authority is “committed” to funding breastfeeding support to Shropshire mums after a peer group expressed “shock and sadness” at closing.
Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
Breastfeeding Network Shropshire (BfN) said it was “sorry” to announce its contract had not been renewed over the weekend.
However Shropshire Council, which provided the contract, has said BfN was “unable” to deliver the breastfeeding aspect of the authority’s new contract with Oswestry Community Action (Qube). The council say BfN declined to continue working with the authority, who say a new breastfeeding peer support service will soon be up and running with Qube.
Rachel Robinson, director of public health for the authority, said: “Shropshire Council is dedicated to ensuring the health and wellbeing of mothers and their babies across the county.
“We understand the critical role that breastfeeding plays in providing essential nutrients and fostering a strong bond between mother and child.
“It is with this understanding that we remain unwavering in our commitment to continue delivering comprehensive breastfeeding support services.
“Over the past 12 months, the Breastfeeding Network were funded by Shropshire Council to offer invaluable peer support breastfeeding sessions to mothers.
“Shropshire Council continues to fund breastfeeding support through a new community development contract, being led by Oswestry Community Action (QUBE), which will continue to provide group breastfeeding support for families across Shropshire.
“Despite discussions, BfN unfortunately were unable to deliver the breastfeeding aspect of this new contract in partnership with Qube and therefore declined to continue working with us on this provision.
“Shropshire Council has not received direct government grant funding for their children and family hubs and breastfeeding services, unlike Telford and Wrekin Council and other local authorities, who have received the national Start for Life funding. This is an issue that the local authority has challenged.
“Despite the challenges of maintaining a sustainable breastfeeding support service given the lack of recurring funding, Shropshire Council remains committed in doing so.
“In response, we have developed the community development contract, which involves multiple funding sources and aims to galvanise community activity.
“This contract is funded by public health, adult social care, and the NHS, making it a viable option for sustaining our breastfeeding support services.
“The peer support offer will soon be operational with our partners at the Qube. While there will be a small interruption to the group peer support breastfeeding element of our breastfeeding offer, (while the new contract delivery is developed), we encourage mothers to access our breastfeeding services through our Health Visitor Open Access Clinics at our community and family hubs.
“Our Health Visitor Open Access Clinics can be located at Bridgnorth, Highley, Ludlow, Market Drayton, Oswestry and Shrewsbury. Further information can be found at next.shropshire.gov.uk/customer-services/community-hubs/
