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Free Tunbridge Wells breastfeeding services at The Baby Café under threat

By: Lydia Catling

Published: 16:51, 02 August 2019

Updated: 13:06, 07 August 2019

A popular support group helping new parents is under threat due to lack of funding.

The Baby Café in Tunbridge Wells will be forced to close from September if it cannot raise the necessary funds to continue.

It was previously supported by the Tunbridge Wells National Childbirth Trust branch before its closure this month.

The café has helped more than 1,000 new parents

Volunteers at the group are currently appealing for donations from members of the public in order to maintain their vital service at Christ Church, High Street.

Donations of £4,500 a year are needed to keep the group going.

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The café was set up in 2012 by Jennie Yelverton, 39, using a lottery grant and has provided free advice to parents ever since.

She was inspired to create the gatherings after the birth of her second baby when she realised there was nowhere in the town to breastfeed comfortably and get support.

Parents and volunteers are trying to raise much-needed funds for the café

They have worked with more than 1,000 families, helping guide mothers through their breastfeeding journey and working closely with other health professionals to offer what Jennie describes as "mother-centred active listening and ongoing support.".

"When it first started it was me and a friend in a coffee shop with an idea. We've now been running for seven years and we know it makes a difference.

"We support parents on anything. Some people just come here for a cup of tea and to meet people and then they will often have questions they wanted to ask. We aim to be like talking in your living room."

Read more: All the latest news from Weald

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