Clark’s Village became the first organisation in the county to receive a ‘Positive about Breastfeeding’ award at a special event held on 6 August.

Breastfeeding mothers, families and members of the public came out in force to help Clark’s Village celebrate their accolade as well as mark World Breastfeeding Week.

Somerset County Council’s Public Health Team supported the event as part of their ‘Positive about Breastfeeding’ scheme, presenting Clark’s Village with a special award for supporting mother’s rights to breastfeed when in public areas.

Clark’s Village are the first in the county to sign up to display ‘Positive about Breastfeeding’ posters in key public areas as well as train staff on providing support to breastfeeding mothers.

Chair of the Somerset Health and Wellbeing Board, Cllr Christine Lawrence said: “It has been a pleasure to attend this event and see so many people celebrating the health benefits associated with breastfeeding. Research shows that breastfeeding reduces hospital admissions, infections and the risk of childhood obesity.

“It is important that we can recognise the efforts made to enable breastfeeding in public areas and presenting this award will hopefully encourage other high profile organisations in the county to support the scheme.”

Health professionals and staff from the ‘getset’* service were on hand to provide visitors with advice on a number of healthy lifestyle and breastfeeding related subjects.

Speaking before the presentation, Lucy Graham from Clark’s Village commented: “Clarks Village are pleased to have partnered with Public Health Somerset to launch Positive about Breastfeeding in the county and we are honoured to have received the award for our centre. We hope that our involvement will encourage other shopping centres and public places to ensure that they provide a suitable welcome to mums with infants.”

Activities such as face painting, story time and balloon giveaways were also available for families and visitors.

To find out more about the ‘Positive about Breastfeeding’ scheme visit www.somerset.gov.uk/breastfeeding.