The University of Bolton has been presented with an award by UNICEF in recognition of it becoming the first university in the country to have its Health Visitors Programme accredited as Baby Friendly.
The plaque was awarded to the University by UNICEF's UK Programme Director for the Baby Friendly Initiative, Sue Ashmore, at a special ceremony on the campus.
The event was attended by University of Bolton Vice Chancellor Dr George Holmes Pro Vice Chancellor Professor Rob Campbell and School of Health and Social Sciences Dean Dr Margaret Boneham. Local NHS representatives and Health Visitor course students were also present. The students are the first cohort in the country to undertake a UNICEF-accredited health visiting programme.
When presenting the award, Sue Ashmore praised the University's ambition and dedication to the Baby Friendly cause. She explained the difficulties in implementing the programme nationwide and paid tribute to the University's commitment and enthusiasm. She said: 'What is special about this award? What makes Bolton different from the rest? You actually went out and did it. You rolled up your sleeves and just got on with it, overcoming problems and obstacles along the way. You are now the benchmark, people now have to follow you – Bolton has done it first.'
She presented the award to Principal Lecturer Jane Howarth and Senior Lecturer Julianne Harlow who has led the accreditation process. Julianne thanked all the people from partner organisations who had worked with her. She said: 'The project has only succeeded because of strong commitment and effective collaborative working.'
Julianne has been invited to speak to 800 delegates at the UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Conference in Liverpool later this year. She will present the Bolton case study, detailing the process and how obstacles were successfully overcome.
Dr Boneham, also praised staff's hard work and success in achieving such a prestigious accolade. She said: 'It puts us, as a university, on the map and places us in a position of excellence, which is all thanks to the hard work of the staff.'
Event guest Caroline Smith, NHS Child Health Improvement Manger for the Greater Manchester area, added: 'This is absolutely wonderful. It's great promotion for the Baby Friendly Initiative and hopefully the rest of the region will follow. We've been trying to highlight Baby Friendly and make it the norm. Bolton getting an award like this will really help.'
Pictured: Senior Lecturer, Juliane Hanrlow and mother and daughter, Sara and Abigail Wooley.