Gateshead families encouraged to claim free vitamins through NHS scheme
Families in Gateshead are being encouraged to check if they could be eligible for free vitamins through the NHS Healthy Start scheme.
If you're more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4 years old and claim certain benefits, the NHS Healthy Start scheme can help you get the vitamins you need to live healthy lives.
Why should you take vitamins?
People get most of the vitamins they need from a balanced diet. However, young children may not get enough vitamin A and D even if they are eating healthy foods regularly.
It is also common for pregnant and breastfeeding women to not get enough vitamin D or folic acid through their diet alone.
These vitamins are important for the health of mums and children, which is why the NHS is helping eligible mums-to-be and children to access free vitamins.
Councillor Bernadette Oliphant, cabinet member for Health and Wellbeing at Gateshead Council, said: "By making sure they're getting the right nutrition, you can help to give them the best start in life.
"The free vitamins offered through the NHS Healthy Start scheme is so valuable for our families, and it is fantastic that they are available to collect at three of our Family Hubs.
I would encourage as many eligible mums and mums-to-be to claim the free vitamins as possible, while taking the opportunity to find out more about the amazing support on offer at our Family Hubs for every member of the family."
Who can get the free vitamins and where can you get them in Gateshead?
You need to be claiming certain benefits to qualify, but if you're pregnant and under 18, you can claim even if you do not receive any benefits.
Vitamins can be collected from three Gateshead Family Hubs during open hours:
You can also ask your midwife or health visitor about Healthy Start Vitamins.
To collect them yourself, you'll need to show your NHS Healthy Start card.
Applying for a card is quick and easy online if you have evidence of your eligibility. You can also apply by either:
- emailing healthy.start@nhsbsa.nhs.uk
- calling 0300 330 7010
NHS Healthy Start scheme - How to apply
The cards will also provide access to healthy foods and milk through providing vouchers.
For more information on health and wellbeing support at Gateshead Family Hubs, including during pregnancy, visit our virtual Start for Life offer.
Families in Gateshead are being encouraged to check if they could be eligible for free vitamins through the NHS Healthy Start scheme.
If you're more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4 years old and claim certain benefits, the NHS Healthy Start scheme can help you get the vitamins you need to live healthy lives.
Why should you take vitamins?
People get most of the vitamins they need from a balanced diet. However, young children may not get enough vitamin A and D even if they are eating healthy foods regularly.
It is also common for pregnant and breastfeeding women to not get enough vitamin D or folic acid through their diet alone.
These vitamins are important for the health of mums and children, which is why the NHS is helping eligible mums-to-be and children to access free vitamins.
Councillor Bernadette Oliphant, cabinet member for Health and Wellbeing at Gateshead Council, said: "By making sure they're getting the right nutrition, you can help to give them the best start in life.
"The free vitamins offered through the NHS Healthy Start scheme is so valuable for our families, and it is fantastic that they are available to collect at three of our Family Hubs.
I would encourage as many eligible mums and mums-to-be to claim the free vitamins as possible, while taking the opportunity to find out more about the amazing support on offer at our Family Hubs for every member of the family."
Who can get the free vitamins and where can you get them in Gateshead?
You need to be claiming certain benefits to qualify, but if you're pregnant and under 18, you can claim even if you do not receive any benefits.
Vitamins can be collected from three Gateshead Family Hubs during open hours:
You can also ask your midwife or health visitor about Healthy Start Vitamins.
To collect them yourself, you'll need to show your NHS Healthy Start card.
Applying for a card is quick and easy online if you have evidence of your eligibility. You can also apply by either:
- emailing healthy.start@nhsbsa.nhs.uk
- calling 0300 330 7010
NHS Healthy Start scheme - How to apply
The cards will also provide access to healthy foods and milk through providing vouchers.
For more information on health and wellbeing support at Gateshead Family Hubs, including during pregnancy, visit our virtual Start for Life offer.
