Mums’ anger at Breast Start Sefton closure after council withdraws funding

13th January 2016

An organisation that supports mums and mums to be in Southport and across Sefton is set to close, after Sefton Council withdrew all funding.

Breast Start Sefton is a non-profit organisation which operates from the Feelgood Factory on Glovers Lane in Netherton, but supports women across the borough.

The terrible news comes as Sefton faces meeting a budget shortfall of more than £64milliom over the next three years.

Netherton Feelgood Factory chief executive Sandra Duncan released a statement which said: “It is with regret that I have to inform you that the Breast Start Service will be stopped as of the 31st March 2016.

“This is due to the fact that there will be no further funding from Sefton Council after that date.

“I am sorry if this causes problems for you but I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your help in the past.”

The Breast Start Breastfeeding Support Service is one of the Feelgood Factory’s many outreach projects within Sefton.

The service aims to provide information and support to mums who are breastfeeding or who want to breastfeed, offering to help the whole family to help make the breastfeeding experience succesful and positive.

The news was met by an angry response from local mums.

One said: “What a shame. How can decisions like this be taken without taking input from mums like ourselves? The powers that be in their offices have no idea how needed these services are. WE DO. and yet the decision is made and I’m pretty sure all the protesting in the world is now too late. Decisions have been made and he wheels are already in motion.

“I wonder if the people making these decisions have any knowledge as to the importance of breastfeeding and it many health benefits for baby and mother?

“Makes me so cross!”

Another mum said: “Sad sad news. If not for the support of Breast Start i would have given up with my first child. So many new mums will give up feeding without support as it can be bloody hard.”

Another comment said: “This is so short sighted it’s such a shame. I’m so grateful that I benefited from this service always positive and friendly , and so well educated unlike so many health professionals. So many babies missing out and so many mums will feel like they’ve failed from lack of support, it’s so sad.”

 

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