Barking and Dagenham Children, Young People and Families Health Service proudly launched their new contract to deliver the Healthy Child Programme (HCP) in partnership with Barnardo’s. 

The launch event, held in the open air at Barking Town Square, marked a continuous step forward in providing integrated support for children, young people, and families across the borough. 

The Barking and Dagenham Children and Families Health service delivers the Healthy Child Programme (HCP) in partnership with Barnardo's. The health care programme is offered to families and carers with children from antenatal to 19 years of age. 

Working with GPs, family hubs, schools, and voluntary services, this programme aims to give babies, children, young people and all families the best start in life, supporting health and wellbeing development as and when needed. 

The event was officially opened by Clare Burns, Executive Director of Partnerships at NELFT, Matthew Cole, Director for Public Health at London Borough of Barking and Dagenham Council and Emma Bowman, Director for London at Barnardo’s. They were joined by Councillors Maureen Worby and Jane Jones, who spoke passionately about the importance of supporting families of all ages and tackling health inequalities across the borough. 

The day featured a vibrant mix of activities and support services including rhyme time, dance, and play sessions, breastfeeding support, mental health and emotional wellbeing resources and advice on smoke alarms and battery safety. 

Joy Coutts, Head of the NELFT Barking and Dagenham Children, Young People and Families Health Service, said: 

“Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive. Many parents shared that they had not previously engaged with health teams or family hubs but now felt inspired to do so after learning about the wide range of services available.  

“The event also fostered valuable networking among service providers, sparking new alliances and collaborative opportunities that promise long-term benefits for children and families in the community.” 

Find out more about the service here Barking and Dagenham Children and Families Health Service | NELFT NHS Foundation Trust