Councillor Ruth Berkley, Lead Member for Adults, Health and Independence at South Tyneside Council, with Kelly Anders, Chief Executive at the Customs House; Councillor Paul Dean, Lead Member for the Voluntary Sector, Partnerships, and Equalities with new mothers and babies from across the borough.

The Customs House takes Breastfeeding Friendly Pledge

The Customs House in South Shields is the latest organisation in the borough that has signed up to support breastfeeding families.

The South Tyneside Pledge organisation has joined a range of cafes, leisure centres and community venues to make the Breastfeeding Friendly Pledge – ensuring they welcome and support mothers to breastfeed.

As part of the initiative the arts venue will provide a clean and comfortable environment for breastfeeding mothers where they will not be asked to leave or move; and will be offered a free glass of water and table service (where possible).

South Tyneside Council recognises that breastfeeding offers lots of benefits to mother and baby. We are actively encouraging businesses and organisations across to sign up to the initiative and become breastfeeding friendly venues for both staff and visitors.

Kelly Anders, Chief Executive of the Customs House said:

“The Customs House is well regarded in the borough for being a family friendly venue and we offer a range of services to ensure our events are accessible to all. Signing up to the Breastfeeding Friendly Pledge was quick and easy to do and is a great way to ensure that parents can feel confident visiting our premises.”

New mother Kate Tollerton with baby Elizabeth; Councillor Paul Dean, Lead Member for the Voluntary Sector Partnerships and Equalities at South Tyneside Council; Kelly Anders, Chief Executive at the Customs House and Councillor Ruth Berkley, Lead Member for Adults, Health and Independence
New mother Kate Tollerton with baby Elizabeth; Councillor Paul Dean, Lead Member for the Voluntary Sector Partnerships and Equalities at South Tyneside Council; Kelly Anders, Chief Executive at the Customs House and Councillor Ruth Berkley, Lead Member for Adults, Health and Independence

Kate Tollerton and ten week old baby Elizabeth, together with a group of new mothers who have attended breastfeeding support groups in family hubs across South Tyneside have warmly welcomed the local initiative and hope to see more venues across the borough take the Breastfeeding Pledge.  

Councillor Paul Dean, Lead Member for the Voluntary Sector, Partnerships, and Equalities, at South Tyneside Council said:

“The Customs House were one of the founder signatories of the South Tyneside Pledge, so it is heartening to see them get on board to support this local initiative. The South Tyneside Pledge is about local organisations taking small steps to collectively help the borough thrive, and this is just one simple way an organisation can contribute.”

South Tyneside Council - Cllr's Ruth Berkley and Paul Dean with The Customs House Chief Executive Kelly Anders

For more information and to sign up to  the scheme visit Join the Breastfeeding Friendly Scheme – South Tyneside Council

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