NHS Healthy Start Scheme is going online

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The Healthy Start scheme will become a digital service and will offer an online application process which replaces the current HS01A leaflet and paper application form. The digital scheme will introduce a prepaid card to be used for purchasing healthy food and milk, to replace the paper vouchers.

Beneficiaries of the scheme can also use their prepaid card to prove their entitlement, to collect free Healthy Start vitamins. All beneficiaries will need to apply online by March 2022 to continue to receive their benefit.  The NHS is sending out direct invitation letters to those beneficiaries currently in receipt of paper vouchers to encourage them to apply online to the new digital service.

Resources professionals can access to support the changes to the NHS Healthy Start Scheme

As part of the phase one roll out, the national NHS Healthy Start Scheme have produced some guidance documents and resources for health professionals, local authorities and supporting organisations to access about beneficiary transition including a social marketing toolkit and imagery. These can be accessed here.

It is expected the phase two marketing roll out will be in early 2022 with a national promotional campaign and further marketing and social media resources.

Local update training on the digitalisation of the NHS Healthy Start Scheme 

Locala and Calderdale Council are providing some update session to refresh professionals understanding of the Healthy Start Scheme, covering all the key information and knowledge of the online application process so professionals know how to support families through these changes.

This training is aimed particularly at those whose role involves engaging with and supporting families in pregnancy or have children under five. Book a place here

Any questions about the training please contact rachel.smith@calderdale.gov.uk or phone 01422 266036

About Healthy Start

The NHS Healthy Start Scheme helps those who are pregnant or have responsibility for at least one child under 4 years of age who are on a qualifying benefit and a low income in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Families entitled to Healthy Start can get help to buy plain, fresh, frozen, or tinned fruit and vegetables, plain cow’s milk, infant formula and fresh or tinned pulses. Beneficiaries of the scheme can also get free Healthy Start vitamins for women and children.

NHS Healthy Start Vitamins

Beneficiaries of the NHS Healthy Start scheme are also entitled  to collect free Healthy Start vitamins. Healthy Start vitamins are available to those who are pregnant, new mothers, and children under the age of 4 and can be collected every 8 weeks from a registered distributor.

The Healthy Start vitamins contain the exact amount of vitamins recommended by the Government to be taken as vitamin supplements and contain vitamins A, C and D for children aged from birth to four years, and folic acid and vitamins C and D for pregnant and breastfeeding women. The Healthy Start vitamins are vegetarian and Halal certified.

NHS Healthy Start Vitamin distributors in Calderdale

In Calderdale, beneficiaries can obtain Healthy Start Vitamins from their Midwife or Health Visitor or by visiting any of the following Children’s Centres:

  • Elland Children’s Centre, Boxhall Road, Elland, HX5 0BB
  • Innovations Children’s Centre, Cousin Lane, Ovenden, Halifax, HX2 8DQ
  • Jubilee Children’s Centre, Lightowler Road, HX1 5NB
  • Todmorden Children’s Centre, Todmorden Community College, Burnley Road, Todmorden, OL14 7BX

 

For more information about the National NHS Healthy Start Scheme

For more information and resources, visit the NHS Healthy Start website: www.healthystart.nhs.uk

For more information about NHS Healthy Start Scheme in Calderdale contact

Rachel Smith, Health
Improvement Practitioner, Public Health Team, Calderdale Council 
Tel: 01422 266036
Email: rachel.smith@calderdale.gov.uk

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