A GROUP of young mums and their babies will be officially launching from their new home in Barnoldswick later this month.

West Craven BFFs (Breastfeeding Friends) recently met for the first time in the town’s Civic Hall after government funding cuts reduced access to their former meeting place at Barnoldswick’s Children’s Centre.

“The goal of West Craven BFFs is to support families from bump, birth, breast and beyond," said member Charlotte Trietl-Fell.

“Breastfeeding families can come to us to socialise and feed their babies in a welcoming and safe environment, as well as gaining access to qualified breastfeeding peer support.

“Our members are passionate about assisting mothers to reach their breastfeeding goals.”

Barnoldswick councillor David Whipp recently welcomed mums and babies to the Civic Hall.

“The group got in touch with me after government cuts led to a reduction in the sessions available at the Children’s Centre and potentially left them homeless,” he said. “I was able to arrange accommodation in newly refurbished rooms at the Civic Hall and asked about funding for the group as a freestanding organisation.

“Breastfeeding gives babies a good start and the best prospects for a healthy life and I was keen to see the group continuing. I was delighted to secure Health and Wellbeing funding from Lancashire County Council which will help fund accommodation and equipment and get the group on a firm financial footing.

“It was good fun seeing the toddlers and babies enjoying themselves and I wish the group all the best for the future.”

West Craven BFFs will formally launch their new sessions fully on Tuesday, May 23.

The group's launch at the Civic Hall will feature information stalls, a cake buffet, a raffle and refreshments.

Weekly meetings will take place in the Civic Hall from 1pm to 3pm every Tuesday.

Anyone interested in getting involved with the group can contact Charlotte Trietl-Fell by email c.treitlfell@gmail.com or on Facebook.