Cheshire West and Chester’s Starting Well 0-19 Service has been officially recognised by UNICEF UK with the prestigious Baby Friendly Initiative
The accreditation, awarded in October 2025, acknowledges the high standards of care in place within Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust’s (CWP) Starting Well Service. The UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative, developed by UNICEF and the World Health Organization, recognises health services that deliver evidence-based support for infant feeding and the development of close, loving relationships.
Breastfeeding offers many health benefits, protecting babies against serious illnesses like gastroenteritis and respiratory infections in infancy, and reducing the risks of obesity, asthma and diabetes later in life.
“We are thrilled to receive this award from UNICEF for both our Children’s Centre’s and Health Visiting Services,” said Joanne Hall, Head of Clinical Service for the Starting Well 0-19 Service.
“Achieving Stage 3 accreditation confirms Starting Well as Baby Friendly, and that the evidence-based care we provide supports parents to develop close and loving relationship with their baby, as well as tailored support with breastfeeding for as long as families wish.”
“It also reflects our ongoing commitment to giving every baby in Cheshire West and Chester the best possible start in life. We are very proud of our whole team here at Starting Well, who have worked tirelessly to help families feel confident and supported, whatever their feeding choices.”
Anne Woods, Deputy Programme Director of the UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative, said:
"We are delighted that CWP’s Starting Well Service has achieved full Baby Friendly status.”
“Our work to support breastfeeding is based on extensive and resounding evidence that breastfeeding saves lives, improves health and cuts costs in every country worldwide, rich and poor alike. Mothers in Cheshire West and Chester can be confident that their health visitors will provide high standards of care.”
