Families across Kendal and the wider Westmorland and Furness area are being invited to use public-facing council buildings as welcoming spaces for breastfeeding under a new scheme launching ahead of World Breastfeeding Week.
Westmorland and Furness Council announced the Breastfeeding Welcome Scheme on 31 July 2026. Posters and window stickers will be displayed at participating council buildings to show parents and carers that they are welcome and supported if they need to breastfeed while using the facilities.
When the breastfeeding support week takes place
World Breastfeeding Week runs from 1 to 7 August 2026. This year’s theme is “Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems”, focusing on the importance of ongoing encouragement, support and welcoming places throughout a family’s breastfeeding journey.
The council said the new initiative is intended to help parents and carers feel more confident about breastfeeding when they need to, while supporting its wider aim of creating inclusive, family-friendly communities and helping children get the best possible start in life.
Family Hub events and advice available
Special events will be held throughout the week at Best Start Family Hubs across Westmorland and Furness. The programme includes family picnics and community activities designed to give families the chance to meet, access support and connect with other parents and carers.
According to the council, the events will include picnics and drop-in stay-and-play sessions. Families will be able to speak with feeding specialists, receive advice and guidance, and build friendships that may provide ongoing peer support.
Councillor Janet Battye, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education and Skills, said: “Breastfeeding, in my experience, offers many benefits for both babies and parents, in helping them get off to a good start in life. Families need support in the choices they make, and this is available to them both through local health services and Family Hubs. We look forward to welcoming families to the picnics and drop-in stay-and-play sessions taking place throughout the week. We hope these events will provide an opportunity to connect with feeding specialists, access helpful advice and guidance, and build friendships with other families for ongoing peer support.”
Families looking for breastfeeding support or advice can contact their local Best Start Family Hub or use the Growing Healthy 0-19 Westmorland & Furness service. The council’s information also lists Breastfeeding Support Cumbria, which provides support in Windermere, Kendal, Ulverston and the South Lakes.
Further enquiries can be sent to [email protected]. The council directs families to its Best Start Family Hubs, Breastfeeding Support Cumbria and Growing Healthy 0-19 Westmorland & Furness services for more information.