Public Health small grants

North Tyneside Council is inviting applications for a grant to deliver a borough-wide programme focused on recruiting and co-ordinating infant feeding peer supporters. The project aims to promote, protect, normalise and support breastfeeding through group-based peer support, helping parents build close, loving relationships with their babies and giving children the best start in life (BSIL).

This work aligns with the ‘Early Years Healthy Development Review Report – A Vision for the 1,001 Critical Days’ and the UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative standards. The Children’s Public Health Service (CPHS), a UNICEF Gold Award holder, recognises the importance of working in partnership with the community to improve and sustain outcomes for families.

Project aims

The Public Health team seeks to commission a project that will:

• Normalise breastfeeding and promote a positive breastfeeding-friendly culture
• Support more parents to initiate and sustain breastfeeding, especially in areas with lower uptake
• Work with the CPHS to identify and target areas with low breastfeeding rates
• Support parents to build close, loving relationships with their babies
• Help parents develop their skills, confidence, and social networks

The North Tyneside Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy ‘Equally Well’ highlights that the period from conception to age two is critical for child development and long-term outcomes. For families facing multiple challenges, the right support during these first 1,001 days can have a lasting impact. This project is designed to help reduce health inequalities and promote the best start in life for all children.

Expected outcomes

The project will recruit and coordinate peer supporters who work with new and expectant parents to promote positive infant feeding and related health and wellbeing messages, including safe sleep and ICON.

Peer support groups will take place weekly in each locality (North West, South West, central, and Coast) at community venues, in line with UNICEF ICMBS standards and the CPHS Gold Award.

The key outcomes expected from the project include:

• Improved breastfeeding rates
• Better infant feeding experiences, regardless of feeding method
• Improved perinatal and infant mental health
• Increased participation in community and peer networks

Monitoring and reporting

The council will expect the following evidence and reporting:

• An annual evaluation highlighting successes, challenges, and improvement plans
• Anonymised case studies
• Regular progress meetings (bi-monthly) with the CPHS
• Engagement in wider public health or community initiatives (e.g. World Breastfeeding Week)
• Coordination of action learning sessions with the CPHS

Provider criteria

Organisations applying for this grant should demonstrate the following:

• Proven experience of working collaboratively with new parents and children using creative, engaging approaches
• Experience delivering high-quality public or community engagement sessions
• Strong project management and reporting skills

Provider responsibilities

The successful provider will be expected to:

• Recruit and co-ordinate a team of peer supporters to work with parents and babies in group settings
• Plan and ensure consistent delivery of Best Start Peer Support Groups across the borough
• Ensure that appropriate safeguarding arrangements are in place
• Meet all health and safety requirements, including DBS checks and risk assessments
• Work with the Public Health team to monitor progress and achieve project objectives
• Complete required documentation and collect attendance data
• Identify opportunities to link with other projects and local initiatives

Budget

The total project budget is £25,000 per annum. Applicants should provide a detailed breakdown of how the funding will be used over the three year period. Please note that capital items are not eligible for funding.

Application process

To apply, please complete the online application form and ensure your response covers:

• Your organisation’s relevant experience
• How you will deliver this project
• How your work would reduce health inequalities and achieve the outcomes outlined
• The difference your project would make to local families
• What makes your organisation unique

If you have any access requirements, please include these in your application.

Submission details

Completed applications should be submitted by Friday 21 November 2025.

Timescales for the process are:

• Advertisement: Monday 27 October 2025
• Closing date: Friday 21 November 2025
• Selection process: shortlisted applicants will be invited to an informal discussion with the panel (either online or in person) week commencing 1 December 2025 (please note dates may change depending on the number of applications)
• Delivery period: from 1 January 2026 (funding for year two will depend on the performance of the provider in year one, funding for year three will depend on the performance of the provider in year two)
• Grant end date: 31 December 2028

Selection process

Applications will be reviewed by a small Public Health small grants panel. 

Shortlisted organisations will be invited to an informal conversation with the panel to discuss their proposals and help assess organisational fit.

While we will do our best, we may not be able to provide feedback to all applicants who are not shortlisted.

Contact

For any queries, please contact the Public Health small grants team: PHsmallgrants@northtyneside.gov.uk