Sure Start organisations recognised after securing baby friendly initiative

Sure Start organisations recognised after securing baby friendly initiative

2 July 2025

A SPECIAL celebration event has been held to mark a significant achievement by the five Sure Start organisations within the South Eastern Trust area who have successfully achieved the UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative Stage 3 Reaccreditation Award.

The initiative – run by UNICEF UK – is a nationally recognised programme that supports health and early years services to implement best practices in infant feeding and building close, loving parent-infant relationships.

Stage three of the accreditation process focuses on the long-term sustainability of this support and the positive impact on families.

Health trust chief executive, Roisin Coulter, attended the event at the Downshire Hospital’s Great Hall to congratulate staff from Down, Ards, Colin, Lisburn and Bangor Sure Start projects.

She said the re-accreditation demonstrates the dedication and hard work of staff across all five projects in advising and supporting parents with feeding and helping them build a close and loving relationship with their babies.

“This is a clear example of what can be accomplished with a collective vision, strong collaboration and true partnership working across community and statutory sectors, all focused on improving outcomes for children,” said Ms Coulter.

“Throughout the process, Sure Start staff have shown incredible effort, commitment and passion in spearheading this initiative across the five projects. I would like to congratulate them on achieving this re-accreditation award.”

The health trust’s Assistant Director, Prevention and Population Health,  Lynda Vladeanu, also praised staff and congratulated the five Sure Start projects on their award.  

“This is an excellent achievement that has been successful through collaboration with community partners and South Eastern Trust Sure Start projects demonstrating the commitment of staff to ensure that pregnant women and new mothers receive support, information and a very high standard of care,” she added.