Local services supporting new parents and families across Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire are organising picnics in the park to promote the benefits of breastfeeding to families during World Breastfeeding Week 2022.

The picnic in the park events are free to attend and are intended to bring parents, peer supporters and staff together to offer encouragement, support and to share stories and experiences.

• Radstock Children's Centre, Thursday 4 August: 11am - 12pm

• Alice Park, Bath (meet in the grass section of the children's play area), Saturday 6 August: 11am – 1pm

• Salisbury Cathedral Grounds, Saturday 6 August: 12 - 2pm

• Lydiard Park (meet in grass area next to the children's play area by car park Hook Street entrance) Sunday 7 August: 12 - 2pm.

People are encouraged to bring their own picnics to enjoy and cake will also be provided.

Sandra Richards, Lead Midwife for Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board, said "We are delighted to support World Breastfeeding Week and help to promote the many benefits of breastfeeding.

"Everyone in our communities has a role to play in supporting parents who wish to breastfeed and helping to make women feel welcome to feed their baby when they are out and about, recognising that breastfeeding is a normal everyday activity in babies' lives."

The theme for the global campaign, which is supported by key organisations such as the World Health Organisation and UNICEF, is step up for breastfeeding.

The aim of this year's World Breastfeeding Week global campaign, which is supported by key organisations including the World Health Organisation and UNICEF, is to raise awareness and support for breastfeeding and to educate and empower breastfeeding-friendly environments for families in the post-pandemic world. For further information about the local picnic events visit BSW Maternity Voices Partnership Facebook Page. For more information and support about breastfeeding and infant feeding, visit bswtogether.org.uk/maternity