Children and Young People
Promoting health to children and young people
It is essential that children are encouraged to lead an active and healthy lifestyle from an early age. We are involved in a number of projects across Bedfordshire, which are aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles for children across the ages.
0–5 years old
Under 5s Healthy Eating Awards
This is managed by dieticians and oral health promoters, working with establishments who care for children under the age of 5 (e.g. childminders, nurseries, play group, pre-schools) to develop a healthy environment and attitude.
Sure Start
This is a government initiative, working with local communities to improve family health and well-being. These provide a wide range of free services and activities which are designed to help ensure children are confident and healthy by the time they start school. Residents living in Cauldwell and Shortstown in Bedford who have children under 4 years of age, or who are pregnant are eligible for the services. For more information contact Sure Start staff on 01234 269512.
School aged children and young people
Healthy schools
Over 89% of Bedfordshire schools are part of ‘The Healthy Schools Scheme’. This health and education partnership is concerned with the development of healthier physical and emotional lifestyles for young people, supporting the development of effective schools. Schools work to meet National Standards for accreditation in a number of themes. To find out more click on www.healthy-schools.co.uk
Sexual health services
We undertake a number of sexual health promotion activities and initiatives in conjunction with the teenage pregnancy unit, GUM and family planning staff. Click on the following links for information on:
- SEX: ARE YOU UP ON IT? Local sexual health services and where to get sexual health information and advice
- UNDERCOVER Condom Distribution Scheme. Launched in July 2005 this is a new direct distribution scheme funded by Bedfordshire Teenage Pregnancy Unit. Condomania Ltd are providing all registered GP practices and young people’s organisations with condoms and dental dams. Click on the link for more information and to find out where you can access free condoms.
For more information on sexual health please contact Vicki Barron, Health Improvement Specialist on 01525 636926 vicki.barron@bedfordshire.nhs.uk.
Websites for young people (13–25 years)
- www.under-cover.org.uk
A Bedfordshire web site with local information about services and resources. - www.ruthinking.co.uk
Sex facts, relationships, emergency help and information on local services. - www.playingsafely.co.uk
NHS website with information on contraception and sexual health together with where to get help and useful links. - www.wellsafe.org
A website from a GUM clinic in Oxford with a virtual visit section to the clinic to let you know what to expect. - www.lovelife.uk.com
This site is intended to provide you with clear, up to date information on sexual health issues. It includes cartoons, quizzes and games. - www.thesite.org.uk
Produced and managed by YouthNet UK and aimed at 16-25 year olds. A guide to life with support and empathy from other young people going through similar situations. Access to objective, quality advice. - www.avert.org
Averting HIV and AIDS started in 1995, 150 pages of information. - www.youthinformation.com
All kinds of advice from the National Youth Agency featuring a section for young carers. Mainly aimed at 13- 19 year olds but still worth a look if you are older. Click on the link for Family and Relationships. - www.childline.org.uk
Many topics for children and young people. Free and confidential helpline 0800 1111. - www.brook.org.uk
Brook advisory centres provide free and confidential sexual health advice and contraception to young people up to the age of 25. Free helpline 0800 018 5023.