How a National Lottery funded training course led to a new career

The Breastfeeding Network supports mums, parents and families to make informed decisions about breastfeeding and help them to become confident in their choices.

For a new mum or parent deciding how to feed their baby, talking to a trained volunteer who knows about breastfeeding can make a crucial difference and the Breastfeeding Network have a fantastic peer support service.

They've been supported by #NationalLottery funding to run a free peer support training course across the Stirling area to empower women with lived breastfeeding experience to become volunteers. Enabling them to support others about feeding and caring for their baby.

Attending the training course has led to positive transformations in the life of a newly qualified peer supporter.

Shannon Robinson attended the Forth Valley Breastfeeding Network support group after becoming a new mum two years ago.

"I was the first person in my family to breastfeed, so I didn't have anyone in my family who could answer my questions.

"When I was pregnant, there was a lot talk of how easy and natural breastfeeding is. But it’s not like that for everyone. There can be challenges and it's hard to push through it alone. That's why The Breastfeeding Network is so important; they provide that level of support that many mums need, especially ones trying breastfeeding for the first time.

"I remember thinking that The Breastfeeding Network volunteers at my support group were amazing, supportive and incredibly inspiring. They were like superheroes to me, and I just thought, "I want to do that".

From Free Training to becoming an empowered Peer Supporter

Shannon jumped at the opportunity to go on the free training course to become a Peer Supporter.

"It's something that I definitely wouldn't have been able to afford because I only work 14 hours at my other job. So when the opportunity came up to do it for free, I knew I needed to do it. The training has been life changing.

"It’s opened doors to connect with like-minded mums and make new friendships. It's given me invaluable skills and the opportunity to become inspired by the people I work with.

"It’s also given me the chance to be a better role model for my daughter. I want her to understand that helping people is a privilege, which also helps you grow in turn.

"I've been fully trained since the end of May and have since started volunteering in the community. I feel so passionately about it and I've gained so much confidence. I feel like I can empower Mums to make their own decisions and give them the confidence they need.

A new career path

"Thanks to the training course, I managed to land a part-time job as a Peer Supporter in Clackmannanshire with The Breastfeeding Network. I started at the end of May and have been mostly getting some experience in the current support group in Tullibody, as well as organising a second support group in Alloa, which will be opening soon.

"I will be helping coordinate the current volunteers in the area, supporting them to make sure things run smoothly in all aspects of our support service.

"This job really aligns with who I am and what I want in my life. I feel fulfilled knowing that I'm helping other people and I'm so much happier. I'm so thankful for the funding from The National Lottery Community Fund because without it, I wouldn't be in the role I'm in now."