Resources for children and families

These pages feature a number of resources and services to support parents, children, young people and their families. 

Healthy Start Vouchers

f you are more than ten weeks pregnant or have a child under four, you may be entitled to get help to buy healthy food and milk. You can also use your card to get free vitamin supplements.

To apply, you’ll be receiving one of the following benefits:

  • Child Tax Credit (only if your family’s annual income is £16,190 or less)
  • Income Support
  • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
  • Pension Credit (which includes the child addition)
  • Universal Credit (only if your family’s take-home pay is £408 or less per month from employment)

You will also be eligible for Healthy Start if:

  • you’re under 18 and pregnant, even if you are not claiming any benefits
  • you claim income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and are over 10 weeks pregnant
  • you, your partner or your carer get Working Tax Credit run-on only after you have reported you’re working 16 hours or less per week

From March 2022, the paper vouchers will be changing to a new prepaid card, just like a bank card.

Whether you are applying for the first time, or currently receiving paper vouchers, you must go online to apply for your prepaid card.

For more information, to see if you are eligible or to apply visit the NHS Healthy Start website.

Psychological first aid training to support children and young people  

Public Health England has launched new psychological first aid training for those who work with or care for children and young people affected by COVID-19 or other crises. This free course will help anyone who cares for or is regularly in contact with children and young people up to the age of 25, including parents and caregivers. You don’t need any prior knowledge or experience as this introductory course will teach you the key principles of giving psychological first aid to children and young people in crisis situations.

Breastfeeding

This booklet offers advice and guidance on breastfeeding and coronavirus. It has been produced by the Waltham Forest infant feeding support service and includes guidance from Public Health England.  For more information about local breastfeeding support please visit the NHS website.  

Support your children's development from home

Specialist Children and Young People’s Services have been creating YouTube videos to help support families who are currently unable to access face-to-face services due to COVID-19. The videos provide useful tips from Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy teams on how parents and carers can support their children’s development from home.  ​

Updated: 16/02/2022