Barking and Dagenham Council has agreed plans to commission a new infant feeding support service, helping parents and carers across the borough access advice and practical support to give their babies the best start in life.

The proposals were agreed by the Council's Cabinet at a meeting held at Barking Town Hall on Tuesday 13 October 2026.

The new service will bring together specialist infant feeding advice and peer support, making it easier for families to access the help they need, whatever their feeding choices.

It will include breastfeeding support, a breast pump loan scheme, and specialist training for professionals working with families across the borough.

The service will be delivered through Family Hubs, community venues and partner locations, including NHS settings, helping to make support accessible to parents and carers in their local communities. The Council has been allocated £729,900 through the Government's Best Start Family Hubs and Healthy Babies grant to support infant feeding services between April 2026 and March 2029. Under the agreed proposals, the Council will begin the procurement process for a new contract, expected to start on 1 April 2027. The initial contract will run for two years, with options to extend for up to three further years.

Councillor Maureen Worby, Cabinet Member for Housing, Adult Social Care & Health, said:

"Giving children the best possible start in life is one of our key priorities, and access to high-quality infant feeding support plays an important role in achieving that. We know that every family's circumstances and feeding journey are different, so it's essential that parents and carers can access trusted advice, practical support and encouragement when they need it.

“This new service will bring together specialist expertise and community-based support, making it easier for families across Barking and Dagenham to get help close to home. By investing in early intervention and supporting parents from the very beginning, we can improve outcomes for babies, reduce health inequalities and help families build confidence during those important early months."

The proposals mark the latest step in the Council’s commitment to supporting children and families to thrive from the earliest stages of life.