Fantastic support for new mothers at the South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust NHS

The South Eastern Trust are proud of their Breastfeeding Peer Support Volunteers who continue to support and offer encouragement to new mothers.

This group of volunteers were one of the only groups that didn’t need to be suspended when COVID struck as their role is via text messages and phone calls.

Between the 1st Oct 2020 and 30 April 2021 the Service had 271 referrals for families requiring support. The data returned from volunteers showed an 85% engagement rate with 74% engaging more than once.

“Jenny was absolutely brilliant, she saved me last year”

This was sent by a mother who has just had her second baby and second referral into BFF. With healthcare staff being unable to meet new mothers in their homes following restrictions, having this option of a volunteer to chat with and provide a listening ear has made such a difference to their patients.

This team of Volunteers is managed by their Key Worker, Jacqui Henning whose enthusiasm and drive to improve their Service is remarkable. Jacqui delivers their OCN NI Breastfeeding Peer Support Training over 10 weeks with mothers (and babies) and creates a positive environment so that volunteers learn and feel comfortable taking part.