Salford Health Improvement Service has played a pivotal role in transforming Salford into a child-friendly city, where the health and wellbeing of children are prioritised. One of the significant initiatives is the 'We Are Tooth Healthy' programme, which involves 65 schools and 45 nurseries. This oral health program educates children about the importance of dental hygiene, contributing to long-term oral health benefits.
In 2013, the service launched the Red Pepper Family Weight Management programme, which has already supported over 1,300 families. This initiative focuses on promoting healthy eating and physical activity among children and their families, addressing childhood obesity and fostering healthy habits from a young age.
The Babies First Foods program has supported 600 families, providing guidance on introducing solid foods to infants. This program ensures that parents receive accurate information on infant nutrition, contributing to the healthy development of children.
Health Improvements commitment to creating a child-friendly city extends to physical activity programs. The establishment of outdoor gyms and community orchards provides children with safe spaces to play and engage in physical activities. Additionally, the Boothstown Marina Cycling Pod scheme encourages cycling, promoting physical fitness and environmental awareness among children.
During the school holidays, the service has been instrumental in addressing food insecurity through the Holiday Food and Activity program. Since 2021, this program has provided holiday club places and food for over 3,000 children at Easter, Summer, and Christmas. The Healthy Holiday Voucher Scheme specifically supports the Jewish community by providing kosher food vouchers, ensuring cultural inclusivity in addressing food needs.
The service's efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic further highlight its commitment to children's wellbeing. The Healthy Holiday virtual activity hub provided families with resources to stay active and engaged during lockdowns. The outreach and engagement work to raise awareness of local restrictions and promote vaccination and testing also ensured that children and their families stayed informed and safe.
Through these comprehensive efforts, Salford Health Improvement has contributed substantially to making Salford a child-friendly city. By addressing the diverse needs of children and their families, the service continues to foster a supportive and healthy environment for the younger residents of the city.
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