Halton is celebrating record breastfeeding rates, a milestone that has significant implications for public health and reducing inequalities.
Breastfeeding gives babies the best start in life, helping protect against childhood infections, supporting healthy brain development, and reducing the risk of obesity and chronic conditions in later years. For mothers, it lowers the risk of certain cancers and supports positive mental health. Yet across England, breastfeeding rates are lower in areas of disadvantage, widening health gaps that can last a lifetime.
Against this backdrop, Halton’s progress stands out. The borough has seen its highest ever breastfeeding rates thanks to targeted investment, innovation, and strong partnership working between the council, NHS and community organisations.
This work has been led locally by Julia Rosser, Deputy Director of Public Health at Halton Borough Council, who has responsibility for maternal and child health, mental health, workforce development and health inequalities. Julia is also a lead trainer and Training Programme Director for Cheshire and Merseyside’s public health training programme. Drawing on over a decade as a consultant in Halton and her earlier career in public health nutrition and the voluntary sector, Julia has overseen a programme that is now transforming outcomes for families.
Through Family Hubs funding and collaborative working, families are benefitting from timely specialist advice and a much wider range of support. Services now include antenatal workshops, postnatal advice, breastfeeding groups, volunteer drop-in clinics, and digital tools such as the Anya app. The reintroduction of the Breastfeeding Welcome scheme, alongside grants for small businesses and creative community initiatives such as storytelling, exhibitions and school engagement, is helping to normalise breastfeeding for future generations.
This success was recognised during a recent visit to Brookvale Family Hub by the Rt Hon Dame Andrea Leadsom, national champion for the early years and Chair of the 1001 Critical Days Foundation. Dame Andrea praised Halton as “a brilliant example of what’s possible when local services come together to support families in the early years”. Her visit shone a national spotlight on Halton’s achievements and the difference Family Hubs can make in tackling inequalities from the very start of life.
Halton is also leading the way on quality, becoming the first area to undergo a UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative (BFI) community standards assessment as a collaborative. Achieving Stage 3 accreditation demonstrates that evidence-based standards are fully embedded into everyday care, ensuring families consistently receive the highest quality of support for infant feeding and parent-infant relationships.
Councillor Tom McInerney, Halton’s Executive Board Member for Children and Young People, said: “We’re very proud of our Halton Family Hubs and the partnership of local organisations who support families across our borough. We want every child to have the best start in life and Family Hubs give every family the opportunity to access free, local and trusted services and support.
“Dame Andrea’s visit has been a fantastic opportunity to showcase the progress we’ve made and the difference these hubs are making in our communities.
“Raising a family can be the most challenging job in the world and we’re here to help – in person or online at haltonfamilyhubs.co.uk.”
