‘Feeding Futures’ is a ‘celebration of the creativity and curiosity shown by Hull’s children on infant feeding’
A mother breastfeeding her baby(Image: PA)
A unique community art exhibition opens at Hull’s Pier Street Pop Up Gallery, on Wednesday, July 22. It is being launched by Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust’s Hull 0-19 Integrated Public Health Nursing Service, in partnership with Hull City Council.
“Feeding Futures: Breastfeeding Through the Eyes of Hull’s Children” is an exhibition showcasing artwork, poetry and posters created by children from primary schools across Hull, including Thanet Primary School, St Richard’s VC Academy, Bellfield Primary School, Chiltern Primary School and The Parks Primary Academy. The work has been developed as part of an innovative project led by the Trust’s Infant Feeding Team, which aims to increase awareness and understanding of breastfeeding among young people and help normalise breastfeeding within local communities.
Throughout the project, the Infant Feeding Team visited schools across the city to talk with pupils about breastfeeding and the important role it plays. For many children, these discussions provided their first opportunity to learn about breastfeeding and explore its significance for families like their own.
Following the in-school sessions, pupils were invited to express what they had learned through creative artwork, poetry and posters. Their inspiring and imaginative creations form the heart of the exhibition, which will be on display until July 28 at the gallery.
Alongside the children’s work, visitors will also be able to view a collection of striking photographs featuring local women breastfeeding in locations across Hull, helping to celebrate and normalise breastfeeding in everyday life. Additional displays and information will highlight the support available to families across the city.
The exhibition will be open to the public daily (excluding Sunday) from 10am to 4pm. Its title reflects the powerful role children can play in shaping a future where breastfeeding is understood, supported and celebrated as a normal part of family life.
Ellie Talbot-Imber, infant feeding lead at Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust, said: “This exhibition is a celebration of the creativity and curiosity shown by Hull’s children on infant feeding. By helping young people learn about breastfeeding from an early age, we hope to create a culture where it is embedded as a normal and valued part of everyday life.
“The artwork and poetry produced by the children are thoughtful, engaging and often incredibly moving. We are delighted to share their work with the wider community.”
Residents, families, professionals and visitors to the city can attend and view the exhibition during the week and see what an impact the Infant Feeding Team are having on the children of Hull.