MESSAGE FROM THE TRUSTEES OF GBSN REGARDING CORONAVIRUS (COVIID-19):
UPDATED MESSAGE FROM GBSN TRUSTEES
9pm Wednesday 18 March
These are unprecedented times and at GBSN we are continuing to strive to do our best to support Gloucestershire mothers on their breastfeeding journeys.
As you may be aware, many of the venues where we hold our breastfeeding support groups are closing for the foreseeable future. GBSN’s remit is for face-to-face support groups, each run by a paid Breastfeeding Specialist Worker and volunteer Peer Supporters.
BEST (Cirencester) and CRIBS (Churchdown) WILL run on Thursday 19th March. All other groups are unfortunately unable to run as venues are closed. Even our last two venues (BEST and CRIBS) will not be open next week.
So with no venues what will we do and how can we help?
The Trustees of GBSN held an Emergency Board meeting tonight by video call so that we could come up with a plan.
Tomorrow we will give full details but from next week we plan to run our groups virtually: 7 groups running across Monday – Friday. They will run as two hour sessions and Mums will be able to book virtual face-to-face time with one of our Breastfeeding Specialist Workers. These will be free of charge.
We will post again tomorrow to explain how this will all work in terms of booking slots and technical logistics. Booking for Monday is likely to open on Sunday.
In the meantime we refer you to previous posts with details of national telephone helplines.
As volunteer Trustees we are doing our best in unprecedented circumstances, whilst (like you) juggling challenging circumstances in our professional and family lives.
Thank you for your continuing support as we do our best to continue to provide free breastfeeding support to the amazing women of Gloucestershire.
Providing non-judgemental Breastfeeding Support to families across Gloucestershire
The Gloucestershire Breastfeeding Supporters’ Network (GBSN) is a charity “owned” and run by peer supporters. We provide information, encouragement and support to families at any stage of their breastfeeding journey, from pregnancy through any challenges, to weaning from the breast and beyond. Every week we run seven groups across the county. There is a qualified breastfeeding counsellor at every group, as well as plenty of tea and cake and toys for the little ones. Our groups are very social and there are always plenty of other mums around to talk to about your parenting experiences.
Our groups are not exclusive to mums. We have plenty of toys to keep older siblings entertained and you are welcome to bring partners, grandparents or any other supporters with you.
“Baps was absolutely crucial, and still is, to me during my breastfeeding journey. Without them in the first few weeks I could have easily given up from not knowing where to turn.” – GBSN Attendee 2018