Accredited Breast Feeding Friendly Centre

World Breastfeeding Week took place from 1st–7th August 2025, and is the first 7 days of every August. The 2025 theme was “Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems” which gives us all an opportunity to reflect on what it takes to support women and families in their choice to breastfeed confidently. 
GLL is proud to be a part of the Breastfeeding Network's Breastfeeding Friendly Scheme, displaying our commitment to welcoming and supporting breastfeeding in our premises in Waltham Forest.  

The aims of the Breastfeeding Network's Breastfeeding Friendly Scheme are to: 
Support and empower families to feel confident breastfeeding out and about, as is their legal right 
Offer a way for businesses to show that they are working towards welcoming and supporting breastfeeding 
Raise awareness about the benefits of breastfeeding and of the barriers parents may face 

Area Community Sport Manager, Allie Nelkon, said that “It is important that customers know our centres are a welcoming place and that mothers can have the access to breastfeed on site without judgement”.  

Did you know the Equality Act 2010 protects breastfeeding mothers from discrimination, meaning it's illegal to treat a woman unfavourably because she is breastfeeding?  

If you are uncomfortable breastfeeding in public at Better leisure centres in Waltham Forest you can ask a member of stafff to show you a safe space to do so.    
World Breastfeeding Week was first launched in 1992 by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA). The week commemorates the Innocenti Declaration, signed in August 1990 by World Health Oganisation and UNICEF, which emphasized the importance of breastfeeding for child health and development. World Breastfeeding Week is now observed in over 120 countries and more importantly in your local Better centres.   

To find out more about the Breastfeeding Friendly Scheme visit Breastfeeding Network’s Breastfeeding Friendly Scheme website. 

Anyone needing breastfeeding support can call the 24/7 National Breastfeeding Helpline any time, day or night, on 0300 100 0212. Support is also available from them via social media messaging by sending a DM on Facebook or Instagram.