Health visiting teams in West Dunbartonshire have been awarded Unicef Gold accreditation for their high standard of practice in infant feeding.

The local health visitors received the award, part of Unicef’s Baby Friendly Initiative, in recognigion of the range of support and advice they offer to parents to develop the skills they need to look after their infant.

As well as providing a high standard of support in infant feeding, the health visiting staff also provide support to families experiencing adversity, assessing children’s development in key areas, and support to parents and families to develop positive parenting practices.

Mags Simpson, senior nurse for Children and Families with the West Dunbartonshire Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP), said: “The team are extremely proud to achieve this award.

“We support children and families using the Getting it Right for Every Child (GIRFEC) framework, which is underpinned by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).

“Our aim is to ensure the best possible outcomes for our West Dunbartonshire children, by early and effective intervention and support.

“All the staff in the team are delighted to be recognised by Unicef in this way.”