Pregnancy: Who can help me as a practitioner? - Health visitors
Health Visitors work with parents and carers who have new babies, offering support from the ante-natal period until the child starts school at five years.
The Service provides advice and support on the health and well-being of children and families from 28 weeks gestation through until 19 years of age. They help parents to support their child in achieving the best start in life.
The Service supports the whole family in the transition to parenthood and particularly support parent’s mental health. Good maternal and paternal mental health helps to develop a secure attachment between parent and child which will help shape a child’s later emotional, behavioural and intellectual development.
At around 28 weeks gestation all expectant parents are sent information and contact details for the Service.
Parents can speak to a Health Visitor for advice and support on topics such as preparing for parenthood, their own mental health and wellbeing and ways to promote the unborn baby’s health and development.
A home visit may be arranged, offering additional support and advice to enable parents/carers to provide their child with a safe, secure and loving environment and the best start in life.
Midwives, GP’s and other professionals can refer a family to the Service.
The referral will be reviewed and if appropriate a targeted contact or home visit can be offered, where the family’s strengths and needs will be assessed and further support or advice offered.
Staffordshire residents
In Staffordshire the team is called the Families, Health and Wellbeing 0-19 service. The team are available, either via the telephone HUB, one to one appointments, Chat Health or at child health clinic. Further information can be found on the website
Contact Details:
- West Hub - 0300 303 3923 (covering Moorlands, Newcastle, Stafford, Stone, Seisdon)
- East Hub - 0300 303 3924 (covering East Staffs, Cannock, Lichfield, Rugeley, Tamworth)
- Chat Health Text 07520 615722 (answered in office hours only)
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Stoke on Trent residents
The team are available, either via the telephone HUB, one to one appointments or at child health clinic. More information can be gained on the Health Visiting Team covering Stoke on Trent
Contact Details
- Stoke-on-Trent Health Visiting and School Nursing HUB – 0300 404 2993