Healthy children and families

What does the Healthy Children and Families team do?

Our team aims to improve the health and wellbeing of children and families by taking a preventative and population level approach to health. We look at data about the local needs of children and families (from preconception, pregnancy and for children up to 19 (or 25 for children with special education needs and/or disabilities or SEND) and evidence about what works to help people in Tower Hamlets to have the best quality of life and health.

We work with residents, local services, early years settings, schools and other partners to develop policies, programmes and services that support children and families with a wide range of aspects of health (including breastfeeding support, school health, nutrition, mental wellbeing, physical activity and oral health). Some of the key services we commission include health visiting and school nursing. We also use community feedback and data to continuously improve and ensure our programmes and services meet local needs.

Why is this important?

Read the ‘Maternity’, ‘Early Years’ and ‘Children and Adolescents’ chapters in our Joint Strategic Needs Assessment to learn about the main health issues our work tries to address.

What are key health messages for families?

Accessing services early from conception onwards will ensure your family receive the support they need at the right time. Early identification is key to improving health and wellbeing outcomes. Here are some tips for keeping well in Tower Hamlets:

Keeping well in pregnancy

Looking after your health during pregnancy is important for both you and your baby's wellbeing. Eating a balanced diet, staying active, attending antenatal appointments, getting flu and RSV vaccinations, and taking recommended vitamins (folic acid and vitamin D) will help you to have a healthy pregnancy and gives your baby the best start in life.

Breastfeeding and infant feeding

The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding until 6 months, and continued breastfeeding alongside appropriate foods to two years and beyond.

Mental health and wellbeing

Your mental well-being is just as important as your physical health, and it has an impact on your family too. Everyday actions like talking openly, staying active, connecting with others, and asking for help when needed can make a big difference. In Tower Hamlets, there are a range of support options available to help you cope with challenges.

Immunisation

Vaccination are the best way to protect your child and family’s health. Infections such as measles, whooping cough, flu and HPV can be prevented by vaccines. When we are all vaccinated we can stop these infections from spreading and play our part in protecting our community.

Healthy Habits

Building healthy habits from a young age is important for long term wellbeing. Eating well, staying active, and getting enough sleep in childhood lays the foundation for a lifetime of good health. Small steps today can lead to big benefits tomorrow.

Healthy eating

Eat a variety of fresh fruit and vegetables everyday. Base your meals around unprocessed and minimally processed whole foods. Limit the intake of foods high in fat, salt and sugar such as fast food, crisps and sugary drinks.

Physical activity and Play

Build physical activity into your day by, walking, cycling or scooting to school or work; playing, dancing and having fun. For babies this includes tummy time and interactions with their carers.

Oral Health

Maintain good oral health by brushing your teeth and gums twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, this starts when the first teeth come through. Children under the age of seven, need to be supervised while brushing.

Where to get more information?

Local services

Family Hubs - services for families from pregnancy, early years and more
Children and Family Centres - places to go for activities and information, part of Family Hubs
Local Offer - services for families with children of different ages, and a specific directory for families with SEND
Maternity care - register for antenatal care with Barts Health
Health Visiting - universal service from pregnancy (28 weeks) to 5 years old
Feed Your Way - information and support with infant feeding
School health - healthcare professionals providing health care to children and young people in schools
Safe East - support with sexual health and substance misuse for young people
Healthy Lives - a team that works with schools and families to support children's health
Young Tower Hamlets - youth centres, services and activities for young people aged 11-19 or up to 25 years old with SEND
Parental support - support for parents and families, including a quarterly newsletter
Early Help and Multi-Agency Support Team - for families to get early support with challenges