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4 August 2026

Blackpool family hubs to celebrate improved breastfeeding rates with free event

Blackpool family hubs to celebrate improved breastfeeding rates with free event

Mum holding baby, talking to a nurse
Mum holding baby, talking to a nurse

Blackpool family hubs and their infant feeding partners will be celebrating two years of working to improve breastfeeding rates across the town on Wednesday 5 August.

In 2022, Blackpool was identified as an area needing additional support to improve breastfeeding rates as around only one in two babies were being breastfed. Since then, universal and targeted support for families through the government’s Best Start funding has made a significant difference.

The proportion of babies receiving breast milk as their first feed has increased to three in four, meaning many more babies are now benefiting from the healthiest possible start in life.

Following on from a successful event last year at North Family Hub, a celebration will be taking place once again at the same venue on Dingle Avenue from 1.00pm to 4.00pm.

Local families with babies and expectant families are encouraged to attend.

The event coincides with World Breastfeeding Week, which runs from 1 to 7 August, and will feature a raffle including a family ticket to the Tower Circus to be won. There will also be expert advice from NHS partners and a demonstration of the nutritional value of breastfeeding. Infant feeding support from HENRY will also be in attendance to offer advice.

Bethany, a Blackpool resident and mum of one, attended last year’s event. She said:

“It was great to be surrounded by so many families and babies who have benefited from the family hub offerings. I received vital support from the early days after giving birth prematurely, which complicated initiating breastfeeding. “The support from family hub staff with after-birth calls and breastfeeding support from HENRY support staff and the specialist infant feeding team enabled me to breastfeed my child until I was ready to stop after a year. I would highly recommend any mum or mum-to-be to consider coming to the event to learn about the benefits of breastfeeding – there's also a chance to win a prize in the raffle!”

Blackpool family hubs will be rolling out a scheme that will support businesses to adopt a breast-feeding friendly approach later this year. Once a business has completed the Unicef Baby Friendly Initiative online training, they will proudly display a sticker to show parents that they are a venue where breastfeeding is welcome. To find out more, contact North Family Hub on 01253 476480.

Alongside this, Blackpool residents can also access a free breastfeeding support app. The Anya app designed as a 24/7 'pocket companion' for women's health offering expert guidance on pregnancy, breastfeeding and parenting a newborn. Visit: https://anya.health/ to find out more.

Cllr Jim Hobson, Cabinet Member for Blackpool Council’s Children’s Services, said:

“It is truly remarkable to see the difference that the teams in our family hubs and our partners have made. This is even more resonant following the recent announcement that our children’s services have been rated outstanding by Ofsted, with our early help services being highly rated by the inspectors. “By investing in early help and giving families the information and support they need to make informed feeding choices, we're helping more babies and parents get off to the best possible start. I would encourage any local family to come along to the celebration on Wednesday to find out the support available for you and your baby.”

To find out more about breastfeeding support services in Blackpool, visit www.blackpool.gov.uk/infantfeeding or call 01253 476480. 

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