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* Health visitors provide information to families on a range of health issues including healthy eating

* All families with children under five are allocated a named health visitor

About the service

Health visiting provides a wide-ranging service to children and their families. Health visitors are experienced registered nurses who undergo further training to provide services at this level.

If you ever need support or advice about your child's development you can contact your health visitor.

Health visitors provide advice and support on a range of health issues such as:

• Tackling key public health priorities in particular, obesity, smoking, alcohol, drugs and accident prevention.

• Promoting infant, child and family mental health

• Reducing inequalities

• Preventing social exclusion in children and families

• Supporting the capacity for better parenting, improving pregnancy outcomes, child health and development, safeguarding children, addressing domestic violence, supporting parental relationships and fathers in the parenting role.

We also work with a wide variety of voluntary and statutory agencies for example North Tyneside Council.

The focus of health visiting is a universal service including early intervention, prevention and health promotion for young children, families and communities. Health visitors lead and deliver the national Child Health Programme using a family focused public health approach.

How can I access the service?

All families with children under five are allocated a named health visitor. First contact with families is at the antenatal stage (before a baby is born), once a baby is born, and then at various stages within a child’s life with an open access service. Open access means that parents can contact their health visitor as and when they feel they need to see them.

Families are often visited at home, but health visitors also run a variety of clinics and support groups in the local area.

Contact details

You can get in touch with a health visitor by contacting your GP surgery. To find a GP in North Tyneside please call: 0191 219 6200 or visit www.twcsa.nhs.uk.

Useful websites and contacts

Children's information service-  offers information and advice on early years development and childcare

Community mothers - organises a monthly home visiting service for first time parents and those experiencing minor difficulties. Tel. 0191 219 5923 during office hours, 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday

NHS direct - this is a website and a 24 hour nurse-led helpline providing advice and information. You can telephone NHS Direct on 0845 46 47

Sure start - Sure start improves health and education for children up to 4 years of age and provides a range of support for their families.

UNICEF the baby friendly initiative - offers information to mothers on feeding babies.

La Leche League Great Britain - offers breast feeding support to mothers. Also provides a helpline telephone number for information and support.

Information provided on this website about child development is based on research, but it is only a guide. If you have any concerns regarding your child's health or development, then please contact your health visitor or GP.