Annual awards celebrate excellence in infant feeding support  

The winners of this year’s Yorkshire and Humber Infant Feeding Awards have been announced at a special ceremony at York St John University. The awards celebrated the impact of individuals and organisations across the region who play a pivotal role in providing families with infant feeding support. 

The awards were established by Dr Ernestine Gheyoh Ndzi, a prominent figure in infant feeding support through her work with the Yorkshire and Humber Infant Feeding Project, which she founded at York St John University. Dr Gheyoh Ndzi has conducted extensive research on shared parental leave and the impact of workplace policies on breastfeeding. 

Dr Gheyoh Ndzi said: 

“It has been a real privilege to host the Infant Feeding Awards for the second time and to recognise the dedication of those who support families at such a crucial stage. I am delighted that the celebration ran so successfully again, bringing people together to share best practice, learning and inspiration.” 

The judging panel had a tough job to narrow down this year’s winners, who were: 

Excellence in Breastfeeding Support  
Winner: Katrina Hall-Evans and Kelly Roberts
Commended: Louise Shafei 

Excellence In Infant Feeding Education 
Winner: Sheffield Family Hubs Infant feeding team 
Commended: Goodwin Doulas and Breastfeeding Peer Support Service 

Outstanding Breastfeeding Advocate 
Winner: Caroline Scuffam
Commended: Debbie Jackson  

Breastfeeding Friendly Employer 
Winner: Wakefield Council 

Most sustainable Infant Feeding local council 
Winner: Hull City Council
Commended: City of York Council and Barnsley Council 

Community Breastfeeding Champion 
Winner: Louise Hutchinson 

Infant Feeding friendly public place 
Winner: Hull & East Riding / Streetlife Museum 

Infant Feeding Research Award 
Winner: Sheffield Team

Breastfeeding Friendly University 
Winner: Hull University 

Breastfeeding in Adversity 
Winners: Tia Machen, Erin Millar, Kate Harper, Adepemi Ibiyemi, and Adaobi Obi

Winners of the Excellence in Infant Feeding Education, Sheffield Family Hubs Infant Feeding Team, said: 

“We are honoured to be recognised for the work we are doing in schools as it’s so important to normalise breastfeeding. These children are the parents of tomorrow so it's important to educate from early age. We are proud to support families and honoured to have our efforts acknowledged.”  

Katrina Hall-Evans and Kelly Roberts who won for Excellence in Breastfeeding Support, said:  

“This award represents the invisible hard work of the infant feeding support we provide. The knowledge shared, working hand in hand with families throughout their journey, It means our support matter”  

Jason Goforth from Hull City Council which won Most sustainable Infant Feeding local council, said: 

“Amazing recognition to win this award. We work really hard as a collective locally to support feeding in Hull. The real award is achieving over 50% across all data points given Hull is the 6th most deprived local authority nationally, this is the real reward”  

Find out more about the Yorkshire and Humber Infant Feeding Project and the 2026 Infant Feeding Awards on the event webpage. 

Read about the family-friendly support and policies offered at York St John University.