Children and young people’s health and wellbeing

Support schemes on offer for young people in the area.

Healthy child programme

The 0-19 healthy child programme offers every child and their family a range of support, helping them to grow, develop and thrive. It works with families through pregnancy, birth and up to the age of 19.  

It identifies the interventions and services that children and families need to receive to help them achieve their best health and wellbeing outcomes. These might include:

  • screening tests
  • immunisations
  • developmental reviews
  • information and guidance to support parenting and healthy choices

The healthy child programme service in Westmorland and Furness is made up of:

  • the Health Visiting Team who support children under the age of 5
  • the 5-19 Public Health Team who support children aged 5-19
  • Strengthening Families, who offer additional support for children and families with more challenging needs

The council is responsible for commissioning (specifying and buying) the best service it can to deliver the programme. In Westmorland and Furness these are currently delivered by North Cumbria Integrated Care. Further information about what they offer and contact information, please visit the Healthy Child Hub 0-19 website.

E-School Nurse

The 5-19 Public Health Team also offer E-School Nurse video clinics which are available on a Tuesday and Thursday. 

These are online health support and advice appointments for parents, carers and professionals who are supporting children or young people aged 5-19 years old and are worried about their health and wellbeing.

You will be able to talk to the nurse over a live video link using Attend Anywhere. The link is private, secure, confidential and convenient. 

You can telephone for an appointment on 01228 603973, Monday to Friday, from 8am to 4pm.

Children and Young People's Mental Health

Supporting children and young people’s emotional health and wellbeing is a key priority for Westmorland and Furness Council. In partnership with Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board, we have commissioned Kooth, a free and confidential, anonymous online counselling service for young people aged 10-19 across Westmorland and Furness. 

It is a safe place for children and young people to go and explore a variety of emotional health and wellbeing issues.  It offers a range of support including supervised forum, magazines, articles, a chat function with counsellors of booked sessions with counsellors.  

Family Help

The Westmorland and Furness Family Help website is a ‘one-stop shop’ full of information and advice to support you, your child and family from pregnancy onwards to help keep you healthy and well.

It covers all aspects of health, development, wellbeing and relationships and is easily sectioned out by age. It has many top tips as well as information of where you can get more help if you need it.