Since I have been involved with the branch we have not done anything for breastfeeding awareness week (BFAW). To start with we just concentrated on getting the branch thriving again. However, this year we felt that it was time to do something for this important date in the NCT calendar.

Many ideas were banded about, however we felt that a bag pack in a local supermarket would be a good idea on more that one level. We would raise funds to help fund our two trainees and also raise awareness of the NCT in an area which did not have a large NCT presence. A by product was that in trying to get more volunteers I think that I managed to speak to around 80% of the branch members. It was great getting your feedback and support.

Needless to say, it was a great success. We raised £766.45 in 4 hours at Morrisons in Livingston. Not one volunteer had a negative reaction from the shoppers and many were told about breastfeeding experiences through the years—including on older gentleman regaling us all about his wife's cracked nipples (circa 1960!). We also had an NCT stand manned by volunteers and NCT Breastfeeding Counsellors—who gave in depth advice to several women.

The upshot of the day being that we will probably be doing it again next year. So please put it in your diaries as I will be contacting you all again next May—2 hours of your time is not much and hopefully we can make £1000!