Healthier Futures including HENRY programmes

Would you like to feel more confident as a parent? Are you keen to get help to give your child a healthy start in life, help them to eat more fruit and vegetables and reduce mealtime stress?

If so, then our new Healthier Futures programme could be for you.

It's a free, healthy families programe that offers a range of support for parents and carers of children aged 17 years old and under. The programme includes online and face-to-face sessions.

Children's early years are vitally important in terms of their health, wellbeing, learning and social development.

Our team of friendly staff know how difficult it can be to change old habits and we will be with you every step of the way.

Who can take part

You can take part in a variety of Healthier Futures programmes if you have a Derbyshire postcode or are registered with a Derbyshire GP.

Depending on the service you want to take part in, eligibility differs:

  • Heathy Families Right from the Start: You have a child aged 5 years or under
  • Healthy Families Growing Up Programme: You have a child who is aged between 5 and 12 years old and is over a healthy weight, or you would like support with creating happier, healthier meal times and increase parenting confidence
  • Healthier Futures individual sessions: You have a child or young person aged 17 years or under

How to take part

Parents and carers can sign up to take part in the programme. This form can also be used by professionals who work with parents and carers.

What our service offers

Healthier Futures includes a range of free HENRY programmes.

On our popular 8-week programmes you'll meet other parents and carers in a fun weekly group and learn how to make lasting healthy changes together. Or you may choose to join one or more or our one-off sessions.

A member of our team will arrange some calls with you to check how you are doing and to discuss further support.

Healthy Families: Right from the Start

This is an 8-week programme for parents and carers of children aged 5 years old and under.

  • find a balance in meeting families and children's needs
  • create happier and healthier mealtimes
  • introduce ideas for active play

Healthy Families: Growing Up programme

This is an 8-week programme for parents and carers of children aged 5 to 12 years old. The programme helps to build healthier habits for the family:

  • food portions
  • being active as a family
  • healthy swaps and family mealtimes

Ongoing monthly support is alaso available for up to 52 weeks when you take part in one of our 8-week programmes.

Fancy something more bite size?

If you have children aged 0 to 17 years old you may choose to join one or more sessions from the following list. Young people aged from 13 to 17 can attend with a parent or carer online.

Fussy eaters

A session for parents who want to help their child to eat a more varied diet. This session includes calm and relaxed mealtimes and learning about fullness cues.

Savvy shopping and meal planning

Learn and share ideas about cost effective and healthier ways to shop and plan healthier meals.

Portion sizes, healthy food, and hydration

Learn about portion sizes for your child or young person, and explore healthier food options for your family.

Healthier cooking, food swaps, and healthier snacking

Explore heaither ways to prepare meals and snacks without compromising on taste.

Talking about body image and weight with your child

How to boost your child's body image and self-confidence, how to navigate conversations about weight, where to get more help and support.

Further support

We have more information, help and guidance around healthy lifestyles for parents, carers and families.

NHS Better Health, Healthier Families

The NHS Better Health, Healthier Families service offers a wide range of advice and support. Visit the website, and take a short quiz.

Oral health

You can find out about how to keep your child's teeth and gums healthy with our oral health support.

The NHS Food Scanner app

Download the free NHS Food Scanner app to see how much sugar, salt and saturated fat are in your favourite food and drinks, and to find healthier swaps.

Be sugar smart

Kids are having over double the amount of sugar than they should. Too much sugar is bad for teeth and can lead to weight gain.

But don't worry, Healthier Families (NHS) have some simple swaps to help you be sugar smart and cut back.