Health Visiting Team
All families with a child under five years old have access to a Health Visiting Team in North Yorkshire. These consist of health visitors and assistant practitioners/nursery nurses, who are responsible for delivering a series of routine appointments to all families. They also offer additional support to families when needed and can offer practical advice and support on a range of topics related to parenting. You can find out more about the service and useful resources by visiting the website Growing Healthy in North Yorkshire.
Sleep Support Scheme
The Sleep Charity has been commissioned to provide a pilot sleep support service for children and young people in Scarborough, parts of Ryedale and Whitby.
The sleep service includes providing online one-to-one sleep clinics and developing sleep plans with parents/carers to help address sleep issues and establish a regular night-time sleep pattern. All families will have follow-up support and where needed, will be referred to primary and secondary care for any medical investigations.
The Sleep Charity will provide appropriate sleep advice and support for parents/carers of disabled and non-disabled children aged 12 months to 18 years of age. Those with a Special Education Need or Disability and/or Education Health Care Plan will have access to the service up to their 25th birthday.
Families can self-refer or speak to their GP.
Referrals can be accepted from the 12 practices formerly associated with NHS Scarborough and Ryedale CCG and those in the Whitby area, for children age 12 months upwards, by telephoning Claire on 07568 052300.
Families can self-refer by telephone or text to Claire on 07568 052300 or by email to claire@thesleepcharity.org.uk
Looking after yourself
Most parents (especially first time parents) find things very challenging at times. Your child doesn’t need you to be a perfect parent – good enough is fine! But if you feel overwhelmed or you need some extra support it is available. If you are experiencing problems with your mental health during pregnancy or in the first year after birth this is called perinatal mental health. Support is available, it’s important to talk to your GP or Health Visitor to get the right advice and information.
Useful links
Starting primary school
Learn more about preparing for primary school at North Yorkshire County Council.
Visit North Yorkshire County Council websiteGrowing Healthy
The Growing Healthy 0-5 health visiting service is available across North Yorkshire. The role of the service is to protect and promote the health and wellbeing of children under five and their families.
Visit Growing Healthy websiteYoung parents
Little Lullaby is an online support community for young parents and parents to be.
Visit Little Lullaby websiteInstitute of Health Visiting
The institute of health visiting has a variety of helpful factsheets for parents, providing expert advice on a range of issues including mental health, healthy nutrition and toddler development.
Visit Institute of Health Visiting websiteChildren and family hubs
The children and family hubs are located across the county and provide services for children and young people aged 0-19 and their families.
Visit North Yorkshire County Council websitePerinatal mental health community team
The perinatal community mental health team provide a community service to support women who are experiencing mental health difficulties during or in the first year after pregnancy.
Visit TEWV websiteBaby Buddy & Best Beginnings
Guides you through your pregnancy and the first six months of your baby’s life. Try watching the ‘Understanding your Baby’ films.
Visit Best Beginnings websiteMaternal Mental Health Alliance
The maternal mental health alliance campaigns for all women to get consistent, accessible and quality care and support for their mental during pregnancy and in the year after giving birth.
Visit Maternal Mental Health Alliance websiteDadPad
The DadPad has been developed with the NHS and supports new Dads by providing the knowledge and practical skills they need.
Visit DadPad website