A consultation has been launched by Westmorland and Furness Council on a proposed redesign of their Healthy Child Programme services.
The Healthy Child Programme (HCP) offers every family a range of support, including screening tests, immunisations, developmental reviews, and information and guidance to support parents, children, and young people to grow, develop and thrive.
The council has engaged significantly with families, children, and young people to develop the proposal they are now consulting on.
The Healthy Child Programme aims to build healthy communities for families and children and reduce inequalities and vulnerabilities. It includes a range of activity from universal services for all through to intensive support.
Cllr Patricia Bell, Cabinet Member for Adult Care, Public Health & Health Integration at Westmorland and Furness Council, said: “We have the opportunity to think differently about how we deliver our services and utilise all methods of delivery including digital and outreach - building on our communities’ strengths.
“We want our new service to make a real difference and demonstrate the impact on the health and wellbeing of children and families in Westmorland and Furness.
“Please take the time to tell us what you think about our proposals so that we can make sure our new Healthy Child Programme delivers for children, young people and families.”
Cllr Sue Sanderson, Cabinet Member for Education, Inclusion and Skills at Westmorland and Furness Council, said: “We want to make sure we’re providing a consistent service across our council area and can meet the varying levels of need across the 0-19 age range.
Our latest data and feedback tell us the needs of our children, families and diverse communities have changed and we need to ensure our services change with them.”
There are two surveys available as part of the Healthy Child Programme consultation, one for families and one for professionals. Both are available to complete online now.