Health Visiting

Health Visitors are qualified nurses who have undertaken specialist training in order to support families with young children. Their role is to work with families to identify their and their child’s health needs and to help give them the best possible start in life through implimentation of the Healthy Child Programe (link to national programme) 0-5.

Every family with a child under 5 will have a named Health Visitor who will be assigned during in the last trimester of pregnancy (6-9 months).

Health Visitors offer tailored advice to parents on their child’s growth and development, both emotional and physical, minor ailments, behaviour and nutrition. They also offer support on issues like post-natal depression. They provide families with advice on and access to immunisations, baby clinics and various parent support groups. They can also help families to connect with agencies outside health, where there is a need, e.g. housing, children’s centres, debt advice etc.

Health Visitors work in the community and visit every family, initially, in their home in the first 2 weeks of life. Other contact may be at the family home, a child development clinic or other venue such as a children’s center which suits both the Health Visitor and the family. They work closely with other health professionals and can refer families to specialists when it is appropriate to do so.

Health Visitors also work closely with other agencies such as education, voluntary services and children’s services to ensure that every child is safe and has the opportunity to achieve their full potential.

What parents have said about our service:

The health visitor gave me some really positive advice on how to help tackle my son's fussy eating. She made me feel extremely supported and helped me see a different approach. I put into place what we discussed and to my delight it worked and was so easy to do. I was unbelievably happy all thanks to the amazing job they do.

Contact Details

Here are some websites from other organisations which parents may find useful:

Netmums – a unique network for both Mums and Dads which offers a wealth of information at both a local and national level.

Cumbria Children & Families Information Service – providing a range of information on services for children and young people in Cumbria. 

NHS Choices – if you want more advice on immunisations please speak to your Health Visitor, GP or Practice Nurse.

Change4Life – healthy food & activity tips for you and your family.

APNI – The Association for Post-Natal Illness.

The Birth Trauma Association – support for women with post-traumatic stress disorder or birth trauma.

FSID – provides information on the prevention of sudden deaths, health promotion, and support to bereaved families.

Barnardo's – advice and support for children, young people and families affected by drug abuse, disability, sexual/domestic abuse, homelessness, poverty and many other issues.

Action for Children – a national charitable organisations that provide advice and support for children and families.

Howgill Family Centre – a local charitable organisations that provide advice and support for children and families.