Local businesses and organisations have signed up for the ‘Southend Support Breastfeeding’ scheme, which aims to empower and normalise breastfeeding across Southend City. These businesses pledge to provide a safe and friendly space for breastfeeding families.

Jen Lees, Southend Supports Breastfeeding Coordinator said, “I have personally met with so many businesses who have embraced this scheme, we have a wide variety of businesses that have signed up too – the take-up has been amazing, together we are protecting and nurturing the health and wellbeing of mothers, parents, and infants in Southend.”

Businesses that have signed up include, McDonalds, Utopia, Wagamamas, Pizza Express, Adventure Island, Greggs, Southend City Council, Brickhouse, Molo Lounge, Asda Café, Cliffs Pavillion, Kids Kingdom, Tesco Café, Starbucks, Odeon, Wilma’s, Ankes, Cult Coffee and Tattoos, Belfairs Woodlands Centre, Toppers and Toast, Wild Health, Stoked BBQ North and all of the local libraries.

Locations signed up to the scheme are displayed on an interactive map on the Southend Supports Breastfeeding website, where people are also able to find useful resources and information relating to their infant feeding journey.

Hayden, the Manager of The Meadowlark Pub in Shoebury said:

“As a family establishment, we pride ourselves in welcoming families of all ages. This includes those that are breastfeeding!”

“We absolutely welcome anyone that wishes to breastfeed in our establishment, and they should never feel like they need to hide or be ashamed by this. We offer a warm and safe space for families to join us and be able to breastfeed comfortably.”

“When we were approached by Jen about this scheme it was an absolute no brainer to be a part of it and we are so proud to be able to share this information and be part of a better change!”

“Breastfeeding is a natural process, and we believe this needs to be normalised so with the amazing work done by “Southend Supports Breastfeeding” we are hoping to be able to make this happen.”

Jen Lees, Southend Supports Breastfeeding Coordinator, continues:

“Knowing so many local businesses venues and community have joined the scheme has been fantastic. Using our social media page to now celebrate this by taking photos of local parents feeding in their favourite places has been well received and it’s been great hearing from that parents seeing the Southend Supports Breastfeeding sign-up certificates up in the venues and online is making a real difference to how confident parents feel about feeding in public across Southend”.

To learn more about Southend Supports Breastfeeding, find local venues part of the scheme, or read useful resources about breastfeeding, please visit www.southendsupportsbreastfeeding.org.uk.