Testimonials

What are people saying about Acorn Pack?

Central & North West London NHS Foundation Trust

“It is really exciting to see how effective early years nurturing and breastfeeding promotion is growing as a result of the commitment and energy of people who are committed to bringing accurate information, skills and support to parents. The information within Acorn Pack will help parents navigate their journey from conception, birth and through the growing up years by signposting options and choices available to them. This has the potential for a great impact: enabling parents, and particularly women, to make informed personal choices and grow in their confidence as parents.
  
Jane Woodley has been an inspiration to many mothers; she understands what pressures mums can face in today's complex world and she has demonstrated the importance of working to progress what is personally important and valuable, access to full information, evidence-based research and freedom of choice. I wish her and all those who continue to work alongside her every success in this worthwhile venture."

Angela Flux, previously Head of Healthy Hillingdon, the specialist Health Promotion Service, met Jane Woodley in 2007.  At that time, Jane was part of the breastfeeding subcommittee of the Maternity Services Liaison Committee at Hillingdon Hospital.  Angela reviewed the evidence base and realised that, for local health improvement, breastfeeding had to be normalised and early years work needed to become a greater priority.  In 2009, Angela chaired the first Breastfeeding Conference in Hillingdon (which is now an annual event) and, with other colleagues at Hillingdon Hospital, successfully launched the first multi-agency breastfeeding strategy.  Breastfeeding promotion was placed on the agenda for the Children's Trust.  Hillingdon went on to appoint a full-time Breastfeeding Co-ordinator, Jennifer Taubman, and early years health promotion continues to be a local Public Health priority, led by Priscilla Simpson.  The work of health visitors in homes and Children’s Centres, teachers in schools and parents in the community ensures that from small beginnings much continues to be achieved, and so this initiative is aptly named Acorn Pack.

Angela Flux is currently Head of Communications for Hillingdon Community Health and works as part of Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust which is committed to the underlying principles of this resource: empowerment, choice, quality and care.

NHS Hillingdon & London Borough of Hillingdon

"I have the pleasure to support the Acorn Pack in Hillingdon.  This innovative, local initiative is an excellent resource that has a significant potential to strengthen supportive networks for mothers, fathers & their babies in the borough.  Working alongside Public Health, NHS Services and Children Centres, the Acorn Pack is a very useful, accessible resource to help families to have positive experiences as parents and raise their children in healthy and happy environments."

Dr Ellis Friedman
Joint Director of Public Health
NHS Hillingdon and London Borough of Hillingdon

Hillingdon Community Health (CNWL NHS Foundation Trust)

"The Acorn Pack and website is a dynamic, interactive and local approach to wellbeing from conception through the early years of family life. It will give local families the opportunity to access up-to-date information about health and wellbeing, and signposting from a central point. Developed and structured by local residents and skilled professionals, this is a unique project that has Hillingdon at the heart of the concept and will have a real impact upon local wellbeing."

Jennifer Taubman
Breastfeeding Coordinator
Hillingdon Community Health (CNWL NHS Foundation Trust)