Families Invited To Celebrate World Breastfeeding Week At Robin Hill Picnic

Families across the Isle of Wight are being invited to come together for a free picnic celebrating World Breastfeeding Week this August.

The event, taking place at Robin Hill on Tuesday 4 August, will provide an opportunity for parents and families to meet others, share experiences and access advice and support from health visiting professionals.

The picnic is being organised by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust in partnership with The Breastfeeding Network, Barnardo's, the Isle of Wight NHS Trust Midwifery Service and Isle of Wight Council.

Health Visiting Community Nursery Nurse Sharon Atyeo said the event would offer a welcoming and supportive environment for families.

She said:

“Join us for the picnic where you will be welcomed to our warm and friendly atmosphere and a supportive environment.

“You will be joined by other parents who are also going through their own breastfeeding journey, and will show understanding and compassion in a safe space.

“Health Visitors are here to support you and your baby with breastfeeding and answer any questions you may have.”

Mandy Cusworth, 0-19 Clinical and Operational Lead, said World Breastfeeding Week was a chance for parents to celebrate their achievements and connect with others.

She said:

“World Breastfeeding Week provides an opportunity for parents to come together to celebrate their own achievements, value breastfeeding, make friends, and share experiences.

“Breastfeeding not only provides valuable health benefits for the mother and her baby but also environmental sustainability and climate resilience.

“As a Trust, our aim is to promote, protect, and support breastfeeding to enable parents to experience a positive breastfeeding journey.

"Everyone involved is committed to work together to provide infant feeding support for babies and their families across the Island.”

World Breastfeeding Week will run from Saturday 1 August to Friday 7 August 2026, with this year’s theme focusing on tracking progress and assessing the impact of breastfeeding on nutrition, food security and poverty reduction.

The World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) says protecting, promoting and supporting breastfeeding can help improve nutrition, support food security and reduce poverty, while also contributing to lifelong health and development.

The free picnic will take place on:

• On Tuesday 4 August

• At Robin Hill

• From 1pm onwards

Families are asked to book their place in advance due to venue requirements.

Further breastfeeding support is available through the Isle of Wight health visiting teams.