Waltham Forest Best Start in Life

29/08/2025

"I didn’t see anyone who looked like me offering support. I started to think maybe it just wasn’t meant to work for us. Then I found HENRY."

Celebrating Black Breastfeeding Week, our infant feeding partner HENRY in Waltham Forest have been sharing people's experiences on their feed this week.

Black breastfeeding rates in the UK are lower than average, not because of personal choice, but because of systemic inequalities that make breastfeeding harder to start and sustain.
With our incredible team at HENRY, we want to change that. HENRY have a huge variety of local support, from a 6-day-a-week helpline to support sessions across the borough, including in Whipps Cross Hospital.

🖤 Real Stories. Real Strength.

During Black Breastfeeding Week, we’re spotlighting lived experiences: the joys, the barriers and the support that makes a difference.

Today, we’re honoured to share a story from one of the amazing parents we’ve supported through our infant feeding work:

“I’m a first-time mum and honestly, I didn’t know what to expect with breastfeeding. I’d heard so many mixed messages that it was natural, but also hard and I was scared I wouldn’t be able to do it.

When my daughter was born, things didn’t go smoothly. I struggled with pain, latching issues and the pressure to ‘get it right’ straight away. I didn’t feel listened to in the hospital and I didn’t see anyone who looked like me offering support. I started to think maybe it just wasn’t meant to work for us.

Then I found HENRY. I called the helpline not knowing what to expect, but the warmth and understanding I felt on that call, it changed everything. The practitioner I spoke to listened without judgement, helped me understand what was normal and reassured me that I was doing great. That my baby and I could learn together.

I’m now exclusively breastfeeding my daughter at four months and I’m proud of how far we’ve come. I’ve had low days and teary nights, but I never felt alone once I had HENRY Waltham Forest Infant Feeding Team by my side. Representation matters, I needed to hear from someone who understood my experience as a Black woman.
This isn’t just about milk. It’s about confidence. It’s about feeling seen, supported and celebrated. That’s what HENRY gave me.”

This is why representation matters.

This is why safe, inclusive support matters.

🧡 At HENRY, we’re committed to walking alongside families, wherever you are on your feeding journey.

💜 Want to share your own experience? Message us, your story matters.

29/08/2025

Only 2 days left to apply for the 30 hours free childcare for working families with children from the age of 9 months*. Don’t miss out!

Apply now on https://www.gov.uk/free-childcare-if-working

*Funding starts the term after child has turned 9 months old.

26/08/2025

🖤 Every story makes a difference.

Whether your breastfeeding journey was empowering, challenging, joyful - or all of the above - your experience can help others feel seen, supported and less alone.

This Black Breastfeeding Week, we’re inviting Black parents and carers to:

🗣 Share your story
📣 Break down stigma
🌱 Create change

When we amplify real voices, we highlight:

✅ The beauty and power of Black feeding journeys
✅ The gaps that still need closing
✅ The importance of culturally responsive support

Let’s celebrate every journey and make space for every voice.

26/08/2025

🖤 It’s Black Breastfeeding Week (25–31 August), a powerful moment to celebrate culture, champion equity and create safer, more supportive spaces for all families.

At HENRY, we know that representation matters, and so does the right support, at the right time, delivered with respect and care.

🎯 In the UK, Black babies are statistically less likely to be breastfed. But this isn’t about desire or ability, it’s about:

✋ Barriers to support
💬 Lack of representation in services and materials
🤝 A need for culturally safe spaces

We want to help change that.

👶🏾 Whether you breastfeed, bottle feed, or do both, your journey matters.

We’re here to walk alongside you with encouragement, information and inclusive support that reflects your story.

💜 This week, we’ll be sharing stories, insights and calls to action to help close the gap.

23/08/2025

We’re working with Real Nappies for London to help families with the cost of reusable nappies.

If you live in the borough and have a baby under 18 months, or a child under five with a disability who needs nappies, you can apply for a £70 voucher.

Reusable nappies are comfortable for babies, better for the environment, and can save families up to £500.

Find out more via the link in our bio - look for Real Nappies for London!

22/08/2025

Just a bit over a week left now to apply for the 30 hours Free Childcare for children from the age of 9 months (starting the term after).

From this September, 15 hours childcare for working families with children under 3 will expand to 30 hours (3&4 years have already been able to apply for this for some time).

Don’t miss out and apply by 31st of August to claim the extended hours this September.

Apply here:
https://www.gov.uk/free-childcare-if-working

20/08/2025

Stay and Play sessions are the perfect mix: your child gets to explore toys and make friends, while you get a chance to relax, chat, and connect with other parents and carers.

You can find all sessions on our events page - just follow the link in the comments.

19/08/2025

Struggling to find local childcare with availability? Get in touch with our Childcare Team.

✅ Contact our team via email childcare@walthamforest.gov.uk, or call 0208 496 3566
✅ Tell us your postcode, your child’s age, and the days/times you need
✅ Our friendly Childcare Team will give you personalised advice and support
✅ You can also search the Waltham Forest Childcare Directory for local providers

All links in the comments section!

17/08/2025

Wood Street Summer Fete is back at Troubridge Square from 12pm to 6pm on Saturday 23 August, with plenty for all ages to enjoy.

There will be free activities throughout the day including face painting, a pinata making workshop with Sweet Paper Creations, hula-hoop performances and workshops with The Majorettes, games, rides and music from Cove17 Collective DJs.

You can also enjoy delicious hot food, refreshing drinks and browse stalls from local businesses.

15/08/2025

What links: a Club for Dads, seven Kids Crafts sessions, a Health Clinic for children, Stay and Plays for Dads (and kids?), a Children's Film Club and a Stories and Rhyme session?

These events for under-5s are all on TOMORROW across Waltham Forest!

What's the special occasion, you ask? Nothing at all - this is just business as usual! Every day we have dozens of Best Start in Life events across the borough, and they're all free or low cost! But you do need to book many of them.

Head to the link in our bio, scroll down to Activities for families and young people and head to the events page, where you'll find everything.

15/08/2025

Here is Helpful Hakim for the final Starting School Challenge! Have your little ones been telling stories to you this week? Encourage them to use their toys and different objects around the house! They could put on a little show for you! A large box creates a great storytelling station or puppet theatre!

12/08/2025