Vitamins are available to families in Trafford as part of the Healthy Start scheme.
As part of Trafford Council’s efforts to help families have the best start in life, two Early Help Hubs, in Stretford and Partington, are distributing the vitamin drops and tablets to people who qualify for Healthy Start. For those not eligible, vitamins will be made available to families at cost price, significantly cheaper than retail stores.
Healthy Start is a national scheme which aims to improve access to nutritious food, improving diets and lessen the strain on household budgets for low-income families.
Evidence shows that Healthy Start has an impact beyond financial support. Women registered for the scheme have reported that Healthy Start made them think more about their health and diet, which led to better dietary choices.
Cllr Jane Slater, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Health and Care, said:
“Vitamins are vital to help babies’ growth and development, as well as to boost their immune systems.
“It’s recommended that all children from six months to five years receive vitamin drops but the cost can put families off buying them.
“We’re giving parents a helping hand by distributing them through the Early Help hubs so children can thrive and get the best start in life.”
The vitamins are distributed as an eight-week supply, are suitable for vegetarians and halal diets, and free from milk, egg, gluten, soya and peanut residues.
Eligible Healthy Start families can access their free supply upon presenting their Healthy Start card at Reception. For families who do not qualify for the Healthy Start scheme, the children's vitamin drops costs £2 at the hubs and £1 for women’s vitamin tablets, compared to £4.29 and £4.99 in retail stores.
For more details about the Early Help Hubs, visit the Trafford Directory website.
To check if you are eligible for Healthy Start, or to apply, visit the NHS website.
Posted on Wednesday 31st January 2024