Trying to set up my own B/F support group... Where do I start?!

[twolittleducks]

Ok, so I have approached HV at clinic, thinks it would be a good idea as nothing offered in the area.. Have been told I need to put it through the management and try to get a room available at local centre but told I would get no funding, which isn't an issue anyway as was planning for it to be voluntary...

Now, what do I do??? I was thinking handing out a few leaflets/notices on boards etc. just to see what type of response it gets????

I am on holiday next week, so nothing will happen for a couple of weeks, but I am keen to do something.. Anyone had any experience of similar or suggestions????

Thanks

[PinkyRed]

If you want to set up an organised group your local Council for Voluntary Service (sometimes called Voluntary Action Place, eg Voluntary Action Leeds) has advice on how to set up a group, how to keep accounts, how to raise funds if you decide you want to or if it really takes off. They'll also probably have mailing lists of local voluntary groups, such as playgroups, home start etc that can publicise your group.

Some areas have a Sure Start scheme that brings together services for children 0-3 years. If you have one, they'll welcome you with open arms as they have a remit to encourage breastfeeding. Your local council will know if you have one.

Think that putting up leaflets or asking your HV to ask around to gauge support is a good idea too - so you can see if anyone else will help you get it started.

Sorry this is long

[twolittleducks]

Thanks for that PinkyRed, will try going through the SureStart way as well..

Just didn't want to turn up and be the only one there by myself

[PinkyRed]

I know what you mean - but ime there are a lot more people who'll turn up and join than will actually start something - they'll be really grateful.

If I was you, when you put the posters up, I'd have bits at the bottom with your mobile on that people can tear off and take home so that people can call you beforehand - lots of people would prefer to call and find out a bit more info before turning up to a meeting. Or email is even better if you've got an email account you don't mind making public. (So not if your email account is called [email protected] or something!)

Between the Sure Start workers, posters and the HV, you should be able to reach quite a lot of people and you only have to look at the messageboards here to know people need this kind of mum to mum support!

[twolittleducks]

Very good idea about the teary off slip, I'm thinking of just shoving up posters everywhere and asking hv to just have on the desk for mums and to of course, promote the idea!

I admit, I am not trained in anything breastfeeding wise, although I am hoping to do Mother supporter course with ABM, I just thought it would be nice for other mums to come for a chat about babies etc.!!

[CristinaTheAstonishing]

Good idea, I hope it takes off. Don't forget things may be quiet over the summer.

I think you'd need to make it clear that it's mainly a social group rather than technical info on breastfeeding. Good luck.

[twolittleducks]

Thanks, yes that's what I think I will put on the leaflet, just a social one, unless a b/f counsellor sees it and joins

[callmeovercautious]

Hi twolittleducks

I started a babygroup as there was a lack of them in our area. Basically I booked a room (local community centres or Librarys may help) we are able to pay a small fee for the room as people pay a small amount for coffee/biscuits etc. Don't be afraid to ask for 20p/50p to cover squash and biscuits, most people are happy to contribute.
I then did a poster and collected some toys from other Mums I knew that were willing to donate and we were off. The HV put the group in the leaflet they give out to new Mums and there are posters everwhere! I even stopped people in Cafes etc and gave them a flyer
It has kept me busy anyway.

We have a bf group locally which is run by a HV and supporter Mums. The HV often has help from NCT members, it may be worth talking to them.

HTH

[NotQuiteCockney]

It would be sensible for you to train as a BF peer supporter, at a minimum, before doing this, so you can be sure to give reliable information. Are there no BFCs from the four big groups (NCT/LLL/BFN/ABM) in your area?

[terramum]

Might be worth contacting grants dept at your district/county council to see if they would be interested in giving you some funds.....or can search for suitable grant awarding bodies for you. My local council were very interested when I enquired re starting an LLL group in my area...and contact them before you do any training - that way you can get all your fees, books materials etc paid for using the grant - they usually don't allow backdated claims.