Royal recognition for South Gloucestershire volunteers

Royal recognition for South Gloucestershire volunteers

DEDICATED volunteers have received royal recognition for helping families with babies and young children.

The Barnardo’s South Gloucestershire Breastfeeding Peer Support Project will receive the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service 2018 – the highest award given to volunteer groups across the UK, and described as the equivalent of an MBE.

The accolade recognises the team’s success in providing emotional and practical support to new mothers.

Breastfeeding protects the health of mothers and babies, protecting babies from infection and diseases and encouraging stronger bonds between parent and child.

More than 400 families use the service every year, and more than a thousand mothers have been helped since it was first commissioned by South Gloucestershire Council in 2011. More than 2,000 hours were volunteered last year alone.

In recognition of their achievement the team will receive a certificate signed by the Queen and a domed glass crystal, to be presented by the Lord Lieutenant later this summer.

The project has up to 40 volunteers who have been intensively trained to understand breastfeeding and how to support mothers.

These ‘peer supporters’ are then available to help mothers in local groups, for as long as is needed, working with mothers giving any amount of breast milk, via any means.

Weekly groups are currently held at children’s centres, schools, hospitals and other venues in Kingswood, Downend, Cadbury Heath, Yate, Patchway, Thornbury and Bradley Stoke.

One mother said: “I have seen so many mums arrive unsure, exhausted and looking for answers, and then leave more confident in themselves and their babies. The group is a beacon for all mums who are hoping to do the most natural thing in the world.”

Another added: “Becoming a mum and breastfeeding were the best but also the hardest things I’ve ever done. The support from the group made all the difference.”

Another simply said: “The group made me realise that things would get better and I wasn’t alone.”

Barnardo’s breastfeeding counsellor Ann Watts, pictured with fellow staff, said: “We are delighted our selfless volunteers have received royal recognition for their amazing achievements. Their enthusiasm and commitment is outstanding.

“They are all mums with their own young families but they all wanted to ‘give something back’ to their local community.

“They provide a warm, welcoming and encouraging environment, which is so vitally important for new mothers but especially for those feeling anxious and overwhelmed.

“The peer supporters’ exceptional dedication to helping families to reach their breastfeeding goals has improved infant outcomes and changed lives.”

Cllr Erica Williams, Cabinet member for public health at South Gloucestershire Council, said: “I was thrilled to learn that the volunteers who help run this council-commissioned service have won such a prestigious Queen’s Award.

“Different levels of support are available to mothers who use this service, including access to advice from a breastfeeding counsellor, and the seven community-based breastfeeding groups – run by the volunteers – where mothers can go to get ongoing peer support to help them breastfeed their babies for as long as they wish to.

“Well done to everyone involved in this fantastic initiative.”

For further information on the project, call Nicola Cunnington on 07740 422495 or email nicola.cunnington@barnardos.org.uk

The post Royal recognition for South Gloucestershire volunteers appeared first on Charity Today News.

Powered by WPeMatico