Healthy Child Weight
Helping children maintain a healthy weight supports their overall health and wellbeing. Making small changes like eating well and being active can benefit the whole family - and it’s never too early or too late to start.
Healthy growth and eating well
Children grow best when they have a balanced diet and stay active. Visit the NHS Better Health – Children’s Weight website for helpful advice on healthy growth and how to support your child’s wellbeing.
For simple, low-cost ideas to eat well and move more, visit the NHS Better Health website. You’ll find healthy recipes, tips, and fun ways to get the whole family involved.
Supporting healthy weight for children in South Tees
Healthy steps for families
Keeping active every day
Children should be active for at least one hour every day. If you're already doing this - that’s great! Mixing different types of activity, like brisk walking and more energetic movement such as running or cycling, helps build strength and fitness.
Visit the NHS Better Health website for ideas to keep children moving in fun and engaging ways.
Try the NHS Healthy Steps email programme
The Healthy Steps programme is a free 8-week email series from the NHS. It includes easy tips, fun games, healthy swaps, and budget-friendly recipes to support your family’s health. Visit the NHS website to sign up and get support straight to your inbox.
Across South Tees, there are programmes to help children live happy, healthy lives:
Families in Redcar and Cleveland can access support through the HENRY programme (which stands for Health, Exercise, Nutrition for the Really Young), which helps children aged 0 to 12 live healthy, happy lives.
The HENRY programme offers practical guidance on:
eating well
being active and moving more
feeling confident and emotionally well
positive parenting and setting routines
The programme is available through your local family hub and is designed to support parents and carers in creating a healthy home environment.
To find out more, visit the Redcar and Cleveland Family Hubs website or speak to your local health visitor.
In Middlesbrough, the Growing Well, Growing Healthy programme helps children and families achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
To find out more, contact the Healthy Child Service on 0300 303 1603 or email hdft.mbrohealthychildservice@nhs.net
