0-19 Growing Healthy Service Stockton on Tees

30/04/2026

🧠✨ 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗟𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻 ✨🧠

Proprioception is how our body understands 𝗺𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, sometimes called our “sixth sense” 💡

When this isn’t working as well, children may show some of these signs 👇

🔍 𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗳𝗼𝗿:
👉 Frequently bumping into things or seeming 𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗺𝘀𝘆
👉 Using too much or too little force (pushing, writing, playing)
👉 Seeking lots of movement like 𝗷𝘂𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗰𝗿𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗿 𝗿𝘂𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴
👉 Enjoying “heavy work” like pushing, pulling or carrying
👉 Slouching, leaning or getting tired quickly
👉 Difficulties with 𝘄𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗱𝗿𝗮𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗿 𝗳𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴
👉 Struggling with coordination, balance or planning movements
👉 Finding it hard to focus or needing lots of sensory input

💡 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁:
This isn’t just “clumsiness”, it’s about how the body and brain 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 💛

🤝 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁:

At 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵𝘆, we can:
💬 Offer 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁-𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 around routines, play and daily habits
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Support families to build 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀
🔗 Help 𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗿 to the right services (e.g. school nursing, GP, or specialist support) if needed

💬 𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻𝘀?
You’re not alone, and support is available 💚

👉 Find out more: https://tinyurl.com/Stockton0-19Service

30/04/2026

🛎️ We still have a limited number of vouchers left 🛎️
Just as a reminder this is one voucher per household only 🏠

🚨 The availability of Asda vouchers available for families in receipt of Healthy Start vouchers has been extended to 30.05.2026, or whilst stocks last 🚨

Please see below for full terms and conditions!

29/04/2026

Summer is around the corner ☀️ and it’s the perfect time for young people to get outside, play, and enjoy the fresh air. A little awareness goes a long way in keeping things fun and safe for everyone.

👧 For young people:

🧭 Stay where your parents/guardians know you are

👯 Stick with friends — it’s safer and more fun

🚦 Be careful around roads, bikes, and crossings

🚫 Don’t talk to strangers or go anywhere with someone you don’t know

💬 Trust your instincts — if something feels wrong, tell an adult

🚴 Bike safety:

⛑️ Always wear a helmet — it could save your life

🔧 Check your brakes, tyres, and chain before riding

🚦 Follow road rules and watch out for traffic

👀 Stay visible — wear bright clothing, especially in the evening

✋ Use hand signals so others know where you’re going

👨‍👩‍👧 For parents:

📍 Set clear boundaries on where young people can go

⏰ Agree on check-in times and stick to them

🧴 Don’t forget sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water

📱 Make sure young people know how to contact you if needed

🗣️ Talk regularly about safety in a calm, open way

A balance of freedom and guidance helps young people enjoy summer while staying protected 💛

Stay safe and enjoy the sunshine!

29/04/2026

"🌱 Stop Food Waste Day — make weaning count 🌱
When babies start solids, it’s a chance to build healthy habits and keep food waste low. Good weaning supports growth, curiosity, and all the joys of eating — and a few smart choices help food go further too.

👉 Read NHS weaning guidance here:
https://www.nhs.uk/best-start-in-life/baby/weaning/what-to-feed-your-baby/from-around-6-months/

🍠 Start small, offer variety
Babies explore flavours by taste and texture — offering a little of different foods can spark interest without excess.

🍎 Repurpose leftovers thoughtfully
Cooked veg, soft fruit, or grains can become tasty bites or quick toddler snacks — reducing waste and building healthy eating patterns.

🥕 Freeze baby-friendly portions
Purees or small portions can be frozen and used later, helping your routine and your budget.

👶 Follow your baby’s cues
Responsive weaning means tuning into appetite and interest — a core part of Best Start for Life.

Little shifts at mealtimes add up — nourishing your child, your family, and the planet. 💚

"

28/04/2026

🍕✨ 𝗤𝘂𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝗟𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵 𝗜𝗱𝗲𝗮𝘀: 𝗣𝗶𝘇𝘇𝗮 𝗕𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗹𝘀! ✨🍕

Looking for something 𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗰𝗸, 𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆-𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗹𝘆? 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦💚
These pizza bagels are perfect for lunch, after school snacks or even a fun dinner idea!

🍅 𝗦𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲
🧀 𝗨𝘀𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂’𝘃𝗲 𝗴𝗼𝘁 𝗮𝘁 𝗵𝗼𝗺𝗲
🥕 𝗔𝗱𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗮𝘃𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝘃𝗲𝗴 𝘁𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀

It’s a great way to get children involved in the kitchen and build confidence around food 🙌

💡 Try adding extra veg like peppers, spinach or sweetcorn for a 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵𝘆 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝘀𝘁!

👉 Give it a go and let us know your favourite toppings below! 👇😋

26/04/2026

🌱 Thinking about quitting smoking or va**ng?
There’s no better time to make a positive change for your health — and the NHS Better Health programme is here to help you every step of the way.

Whether you want to breathe easier, boost your energy, or protect the people you love from second-hand smoke, small steps can lead to big improvements. With free tools, tips, and support, you don’t have to do it alone.

Take the first step toward a healthier you. 💛
Download the NHS Quit Smoking NHS app for more information and a free personal quit plan https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/

24/04/2026

Your Library, Your Chapter of Wellbeing

📚 Libraries aren’t just about books — they’re powerful community health spaces.

They support:
💬 Connection – Book clubs, social groups & coffee mornings for parents
🎨 Child development – Free toddler groups, rhyme time & creative play
🛋️ Teen wellbeing – Calm, safe spaces to relax and feel seen
💻 Access – Free Wi-Fi, warm spaces, trusted health info
🧠 Mental health – Quiet, welcoming environments to pause and recharge

All completely free. All open to everyone.

📍 Find your local library online or in person — it could be the most underrated health & wellbeing space in your community.

24/04/2026

We’re delighted to welcome La Porto Italiano- Billingham to the Breastfeeding Friendly Scheme in Stockton-on-Tees 💙

Thank you for creating a warm, supportive environment where breastfeeding families feel comfortable and valued. Your commitment helps make our community more inclusive and family-friendly.

If you’re out and about, you can feel confident that you’ll receive a friendly welcome at La Porto Italiano- Billingham 👶✨

For more information see

https://laportoitaliano.co.uk/billingham/

22/04/2026

🌸 Talking About Sexual Health: Supporting Young People 🌸

Sexual health is an important part of overall wellbeing, and it’s never too early to start open, honest conversations. As parents and carers, you play a key role in helping young people make safe, informed decisions about their bodies, relationships, and feelings.

💡 Tips for Parents and Carers:

🗣 Start the Conversation Early: Use age-appropriate language and answer questions honestly. It’s better they hear accurate information from you than myths from peers or the internet.

👂 Listen Without Judgment: Let your child feel comfortable sharing their thoughts, worries, or mistakes. Feeling safe to talk encourages responsible choices.

❤️ Discuss Consent and Respect: Teach young people that their body belongs to them, boundaries matter, and respect is essential in all relationships.

🧠 Educate About Safe Practices: Talk about contraception, STI prevention, and healthy relationships. Small, consistent conversations are more effective than one big “talk.”

🌐 Use Trusted Resources: Websites, books, and local clinics can provide accurate, age-appropriate guidance for both you and your child.

💡 Tips for Young People:

🛑 Know Your Boundaries: It’s okay to say no. You have the right to decide what you are comfortable with.

💬 Ask Questions: No question is too embarrassing—learning the facts helps you make safer choices.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Talk to Someone You Trust: Parents, carers, teachers, or healthcare professionals can give support and advice.

🩺 Take Care of Your Body: Learn about contraception, STI prevention, and regular sexual health checks.

🌟 Respect Yourself and Others: Healthy relationships are built on consent, respect, and communication.

💙 Tip: Conversations about sexual health don’t need to happen all at once. Short, honest discussions over time build trust, confidence, and understanding.

For reliable information and guidance, check out:

Brook – Sexual Health for Young People - https://www.brook.org.uk/

NHS – Sexual Health

💳 C-Card Scheme:
The C-Card scheme provides free condoms and sexual health support for young people aged 13–25. You can sign up for a C-Card at any of our Family Hubs. For more information, visit: Stockton-on-Tees Family Hubs - https://www.stockton.gov.uk/article/5813/Family-Hubs

22/04/2026

🌍 Happy International Earth day 🌍

Today is a lovely day to connect children, young people and families with nature and protect our environment.
Whether its choosing an active travel, reducing waste, spending times outdoors or planting something green in the garden...

Let’s look after our planet, together. 💚🌱

21/04/2026

🥦🥕 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵𝘆 𝗦𝘄𝗮𝗽𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗙𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗠𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘀 🥕🥦

Looking for a simple way to boost your child’s nutrition?
Try making a few 𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘆 𝘃𝗲𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝘀𝘄𝗮𝗽𝘀 in everyday meals 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦💚

💡 𝗤𝘂𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗿𝘆:
🥕 Grate carrots or courgette into pasta sauces or bolognese
🥔 Swap some chips for roasted veg wedges
🍝 Mix lentils or beans into mince dishes to stretch meals further
🥦 Add extra veg into curries, soups or stir-fries
🍕 Top pizzas with sweetcorn, peppers or mushrooms

These small changes can help children get more 𝗳𝗶𝗯𝗿𝗲, 𝘃𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹𝘀 — without changing the meals they already enjoy 💚

At 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵𝘆, our 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘁𝘆𝗹𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 support families to make 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰, 𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 that work for them ✨

👉 Find more tips and support: https://hdftchildrenshealthservice.co.uk/ourservice/growing-healthy-0-19-stockton-on-tees/

18/04/2026

We’re pleased to share an opportunity from the Parent and Carer Partnership 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

They are inviting parents, carers, foster carers, and guardians to get involved in shaping local services and making a real difference for families.

The first focus will be improving the 3.5 to 4-year child health review, and they would love to hear your thoughts on:
✔️ What works well
✔️ What could be improved

This is a great chance to share your experiences and help make services clearer, easier, and more supportive 💬

🧸 Children are welcome at the sessions if you need to bring them along!

📅 First session: Monday 27th April
📍 Stockton Family Hub
⏰ 1:30pm – 3:00pm

A follow-up session may also take place to test new ideas.

📩 To find out more or get involved, please contact:
emma.werrett@stockton.gov.uk
donna.morren@nhs.net

Please feel free to share this with anyone who may be interested!
🎟As a thank you for your time and efforts, a small number of Family Passes will be available for selected venues across Stockton-on-Tees.