11/04/2026
I’m really excited (and a bit shocked!) to share that one of our lovely B**b Clubbers, Victoria Smith has nominated me, Lindsey Blair, for Volunteer of the Year in the Gateshead Awards 💛
Part of the nomination means I need to ask for votes, so if you feel B**b Club has helped you in any way or you appreciate what we are doing, I’d be so grateful if you could spare a moment to vote for me. You only need to enter your name and email address and it only takes a second.
https://www.gateshead.gov.uk/article/11178/Vote-for-your-winners
I started B**b Club because I had a really rough start breastfeeding my first baby 10 years ago. I got a lot of unhelpful advice, and it often felt like no one was really listening to what the actual issues were. I was so nervous to go out for the first four months and it was honestly such a lonely and difficult time.
I can still remember the relief in my husband’s voice when I told him I’d booked a baby massage class at The Nest Low Fell, hoping to meet some other mums and feel a bit less alone. Through those connections I met women who were having breastfeeding issues too, and from that point things got so much better. Being able to talk things through while forming friendships genuinely changed my whole world.
When I had my second baby and we faced the same issues again, I already had an in-person support network around me and it made all the difference.
Then, 7 months after my second baby was born the Covid lockdown came into effect. I remember feeling so struck by how isolated first-time mums must have been. So when Bev from The Nest asked me in 2021 if I’d like to start a breastfeeding support group, I thought about it for approximately 0.5 seconds before replying ‘YES!!’
When The Nest closed in 2023, I was incredibly lucky that Rev Yvonne and the wonderful people at St Helens Church understood what B**b Club was all about and allowed us to carry on as before.
My aim has always been to help other mums make connections and find their village. Something that is very sadly lacking for many people today and very much missed.
Thank you so much for your support, B**b Clubbers, it honestly means the world ❤️
