HRH The Princess Royal celebrates local services for new parents in Chesterfield.
Mums, babies, and volunteers from Breastfeeding Network Derbyshire, Derbyshire Voluntary Action’s Community Chesterfield project team, local NHS staff, and student midwives welcomed HRH The Princess Royal to the University of Derby’s Chesterfield site to celebrate their work and get a glimpse at the importance that support groups can have for new families.
Derbyshire Voluntary Action is thrilled to announce Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal's visit to the University of Derby's Chesterfield site. Meeting with members of the Community Chesterfield team, student midwives from the University, NHS Derbyshire Community Health Services, Breastfeeding Network Derbyshire, and mothers and babies from the area on Wednesday 12 July. This tour emphasised the value of cross-sector cooperation and assistance in providing essential services and welcomed the accomplishments made possible by such alliances.
The visit commenced with HRH The Princess Royal meeting dedicated local NHS staff from Derbyshire Community Health Services, sharing their experiences and the significance of their collaborative efforts with local charities, communities, and the University. HRH The Princess Royal acknowledged their hard work as they highlighted the importance of effective partnerships between healthcare providers, charitable organisations, and educational institutions to ensure comprehensive support for families throughout their journey.
Breastfeeding Network Derbyshire, known for its commitment to promoting and supporting breastfeeding, also had the privilege of engaging with HRH The Princess Royal. Discussions centred around the network's initiatives to empower mothers and provide them with the necessary resources and guidance for successful breastfeeding experiences. Acknowledging the vital role of such networks in nurturing a supportive environment for mothers and babies in the community.
“I was so proud to represent the BFN Derbyshire at this momentous event. The BFN is essential to local mums in Derbyshire to empower them to breastfeed their children and to support them through their journey. I joined the group while feeding my own baby, and it had such a positive impact on my family that I knew I had to be a part of sharing this fabulous resource which is why I’m now a volunteer for the service”. Victoria Castelluccio, Breastfeeding Network Derbyshire.
HRH The Princess Royal also had the opportunity to meet the Community Chesterfield team, and student midwives from the University of Derby and discuss the collaborative nature of the charity’s work made possible by their partnership such as hosting breastfeeding support and antenatal groups, and through innovative training and opportunities to students at the University outside of the classroom. HRH The Princess Royal heard of their commitment and the positive impact they have had on the local community as well as the valuable role midwives play in providing essential care to families not just in a clinical setting. The introduction showcased the University's dedication to training and preparing future healthcare professionals who will contribute to the well-being of the community.
“Events such as today really highlight how much we can achieve when working collaboratively. Our partnership with the University has further enabled us to empower local community groups and charities, while also offering students and the University insights and access to the diverse and rich resource that is the voluntary and charity sector to enhance its students’ experiences. It really is a wonderful voyage to be a part of and see the positive impact that everyone working together brings.” Daniel Jones, DVA’s Community Chesterfield project.
HRH The Princess Royal’s official visit served as a stage on which to highlight the accomplishments made possible by cross-sector partnerships in assisting communities. It emphasised the value of teamwork in overcoming obstacles and providing crucial services to individuals and families across Derbyshire.
Photography by Alan Fletcher (A Shot in the Dark), and Daniel Jones (Community Chesterfield)