Wakefield Council recognised by UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative
Tuesday, April 15, 2025
Wakefield Council, working with the Families and Babies Peer Support Service (FAB), has been recognised for helping babies to get the best possible start in life.
Wakefield’s Family and Youth Hubs have been awarded a Certificate of Commitment. It’s the first step towards gaining recognition from the UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative.
"This award from the UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative is a reflection of our ongoing commitment to increase breastfeeding rates and improve care for all mothers across our nine Family Hubs.
“We want all mothers and babies to be supported to form a close and loving relationship – whatever their choice of feeding method – as this is the best start for every baby.”
Cllr Margaret Isherwood
Cabinet Member for Children and Young People
The Baby Friendly Initiative is a global programme which aims to transform healthcare for babies, their mothers and families. It is part of a wider global partnership between UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO). In the UK, the Baby Friendly Initiative works with public services to better support families so 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.
UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative Deputy Programme Director, Anne Woods, said: "We are delighted that Wakefield District Family and Youth Hubs and FAB Peer Support Service has received this award.
“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. Mothers in Wakefield have the satisfaction of knowing that their midwives/health visitors are aiming to provide the highest standard of care.”
To find out more about the Family and Youth Hubs, visit https://www.wakefield.gov.uk/children-and-families/information-and-support-for-families/wakefield-families-together/
More information about the UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative can be found at https://www.unicef.org.uk/babyfriendly/