Health workers from across North East Lincolnshire and North Lincolnshire have come together to celebrate scooping the UNICEF Gold Award for their commitment to mums and their babies locally.
North East Lincolnshire Council’s Public Health Nursing team were part of a collaborative Northern Lincolnshire approach with maternity units at Grimsby and Scunthorpe, RDaSH (Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust) Health Visiting and North Lincolnshire Public Health colleagues. Both North East Lincolnshire Council and North Lincolnshire Council’s infant feeding teams played a crucial role in achieving the gold award.
The Northern Lincolnshire Baby Friendly Initiative Group was set up to support women, providing help and advice during pregnancy and post-birth around feeding and building a close and loving relationship with their baby.
Cllr Julie Reed, cabinet member for children and families said: “Achieving the UNICEF Gold Award is a testament to the dedication and collaboration of our incredible health workers. Their commitment to supporting mums and babies, providing essential guidance, and fostering strong, loving connections is truly inspiring.
“This recognition highlights the positive impact of our joint efforts and reinforces our mission to ensure every family receives the best possible start in life.”
Staff, including infant feeding peer supporters and health visitors from North Lincolnshire and NELC, came together at the McMenemy Suite in Blundell Park, Grimsby, on Wednesday 28 May and at the Baths Hall in Scunthorpe on Tuesday 10 June to celebrate their success.
Having started the journey jointly in 2009, North East Lincolnshire and North Lincolnshire have been recognised for working together to implement the programme in a strong collaborative approach with acute and community sectors.
Councillor Stan Shreeve, deputy leader at North East Lincolnshire Council and portfolio holder for health, wellbeing and adult social care, added: “This award highlights the dedication and commitment of all teams involved. This would not have been possible without them, and I would like to congratulate those striving to make a difference.”
