10/04/2024
Two events to celebrate the work and commitment of our Breastfeeding Peer Support Volunteers were held recently.
The events were held at the Everglades Hotel in Derry/Londonderry and the Manor House Country Hotel in Enniskillen as a way of saying thank you to this particular group of volunteers.
Breastfeeding Peer Support Volunteers are mothers who have breastfed their own child/ children and wish to become involved in supporting other mothers on their breastfeeding journey. These volunteers have completed peer support training with the Trust Infant Feeding Leads and register as Trust Volunteers via the Volunteer office.
Their role involves contacting breastfeeding mothers on discharge from hospital to offer support and information while also signposting to local support groups and agencies.
The two celebration events, funded and supported by the Public Health Agency and facilitated by Trust Infant Feeding leads, had a number of speakers providing updates and information on their services including; the Human Milk Bank, HENRY Project and Volunteers Service. The Infant Feeding Leads provided an update on breastfeeding statistics and Trust initiatives to support breastfeeding.
In Derry/ Londonderry the event ended on a lovely note with a short mindfulness session as a way of relaxation, while in Enniskillen the event had a number of different services providing stalls such as Tiny Life and the Health Improvement, Equality and Involvement Department. Volunteers were also offered reflexology during the very successful day.
As a way of saying thank you and recognising the huge impact Breast Feeding Peer Support Volunteers have across the Trust, each volunteer was presented with a certificate to acknowledge their outstanding commitment and dedication.
Nicola Burchmore, Infant Feeding Lead for the Fermanagh and Omagh areas of the Western Trust said:
“The Trust Infant Feeding Leads acknowledge that Peer Support Volunteers share their knowledge and experience to support Breastfeeding mothers within the community. We are extremely grateful for the time and commitment they provide. Their support is a key to a successful breastfeeding journey for many mothers. We were delighted to be able to show our appreciation through the Peer Support Volunteer Celebration events.”
Wendy Doherty Volunteer and Work Experience Coordinator added:
“Within the Volunteer office we are extremely humbled by the enthusiasm and dedication of our team of Breast Feeding Peer Support Volunteers. These ladies juggle busy family life with undertaking training and then being on hand to offer vital support to Mummies on their breastfeeding journey. The difference this volunteer role can make cannot be underestimated, we offer sincere thanks to all our volunteers and also to our infant feeding leads who make this role such a success. Thank you.”
If you are a breastfeeding mother and would be interested in becoming a Peer Support Volunteer please contact volunteering@westerntrust.hscni.net or Teresa McPhilemy at Teresa.McPhilemy@westerntrust.hscni.net for more information.
