Childhood health

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We want every child and young person growing up in Westminster to have the best start in life.

Our key priority is to improve our children’s health and wellbeing, by providing a range of services to make it as easy as possible for them to eat healthily and take part in physical exercise.  

Parents and families

A healthy start 

Healthy Start, is a government supported programme, where you can get free vouchers every week to help buy milk, fruit and vegetables, and infant formula milk. You can also receive free vitamins.  

You could quality if you are pregnant, or have a child under four years old.  

Health visiting teams 

Our health visitors are qualified nurses who hold a specialist public health qualification to provide services to children under 5 years old, young people, and families.  

Health visitors encourage healthy lifestyles, address concerns around physical and mental wellbeing and aim to reduce health inequalities. 

They also visit the home following the birth of a child. 

Information about infant feeding.

Immunisations 

Immunisations or vaccinations are given to help prevent people getting certain diseases. It’s important to make sure you and your children have your routine vaccinations on time to protect against certain diseases.

Visit the NHS website to find out more.

Change4Life Westminster 

Change4Life Westminster encourages and supports children, young people and families across Westminster to make healthy lifestyle choices. This makes it easier for children and young people to eat well and be active. 

Schools and nurseries

Healthy Schools and Healthy Early Years 

The Health Education Partnership coordinates the delivery of the local 'Healthy Schools Partnership' and 'Healthy Early Years Partnership' in Westminster: 

  • supporting and encouraging schools and early years settings to review health and wellbeing within their policies, curriculum and provisions 

  • working with schools and early years settings to develop identified health priorities with sustainable activities and interventions as well as measurable outcomes 

For more information, please contact: 

School Health Service 

Our School Health Service coordinates the local delivery of the nationwide Healthy Child Programme (5 to 19). The service provides specialist nursing, advice, support and health promotion activities to school-age children and young people within state funded schools to promote their health and wellbeing. 

Oral health

Tooth decay is the leading cause of hospital admissions for children aged 1 to 9 in our city.  Whether you’re a child, parent, carer or teacher, you can find out just how easy it is for children to have healthy teeth with our very own Tale of Triumph over Terrible Teeth by the Tooth Fairy. 

If you're concerned about your, or your child's oral health, please visit your local dentist. NHS dental care is free for children – find your local dentist

For schools, nurseries and professionals working with children, The Central London Community Healthcare’s oral health promotion team provide advice, interactive activities and training on how to improve oral health.  

Alcohol and substance misuse

Alcohol and substance misuse can affect people of all ages. 

Insight Westminster offers free, friendly and confidential support to young people aged between 12 and 25 with or are affected by drug or alcohol issues. The service is available to young people living or attending schools within Westminster. 

Page last reviewed: 07/03/2024

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