Healthy weight for children and families
Children and families weight programme
Our free programme supports families with children aged 2-12 years to create long-term healthy habits. Topics include nutrition, emotional wellbeing, parenting skills, and physical activity.
Sessions are one-to-one with a weight specialist, lasting one hour, and can be in-person or virtual. In your first session, the healthy weight specialist will help you choose which topics your family would like to work on for the rest of the programme.
Am you eligible?
Your family may qualify if:
You have a child aged 2-12 years who is above the recommended weight for their age and height. You can check this in a few seconds by entering their height and weight using the NHS calculator
You live, your child attends school, or you are registered with a doctor in Bedford Borough, Central Bedfordshire, or Milton Keynes
How to get started
Self-referral
Complete our online form. Once your form has been processed a health and wellbeing coach will be in touch to book your first appointment.
Referral by health professionals
If you are a health professional, you can refer a patient through our online form.
Support outside of your area
If you’re outside our service areas, you can explore a programme near you:
What is the National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP)?
The NCMP tracks obesity levels in primary school children. Local Councils have a legal duty to carry out this programme and the information collected is used to plan better services for children and families. Children’s height and weight are measured in reception and year 6.
We recognise that every child is different, and their weight may change as they grow. A GP, school nurse, or other health professional can help you understand how this fits in with their growth, development and behaviour or if you have any concerns. You can also read more through the NHS Better Health website.
Healthy family resources
If you don’t qualify for our programme at present, there is a wealth of free resources to explore:
Healthy recipes and activities
Discover affordable recipes and fun 10-minute Disney inspired games to get your family moving on the NHS Better Health’s Healthier Families website. You’ll also find tools like a sugar calculator, email support, and newsletters.
8-week email program
Sign up for Healthy Steps emails to receive budget-friendly tips, fun games, healthy swaps, and tasty recipes. Visit the Healthy Steps website to join.
Help with healthy food
If you’re over 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4, you may qualify for a Healthy Start card to help buy healthy food and milk. Check your eligibility and learn more on the NHS Healthy Start website.
Family activity ideas
Use the NHS physical activity guidelines to find the right amount of exercise for everyone in your family. Move to Improve offers fun indoor and outdoor games to enjoy together.
If you are worried your child might be underweight
Most children who are underweight are healthy, but some may require healthy growth support from a healthcare professional. You can contact the School Nursing team to discuss further support available. For additional support in making changes at home, there are lots of great resources and suggestions available to you on the NHS healthier families website including:
Take control
Access tools and resources to help you succeed. Whether you’re ready to commit or just need advice, our team is ready to support you.