In our new blog series about the Healthy Start scheme, our CEO Kimberly writes about how parents can get free Healthy Start vitamins for themselves and their children.
Mums and Mums-to-be in Salford and Manchester can now access Healthy Start vitamins for themselves and their baby for free – even if they are not eligible for the Healthy Start vouchers. Both councils have made the vitamin scheme universal – meaning anyone can access them no matter what their income or immigration status.
What are Healthy Start Vitamins?
Healthy Start vitamin drops for children contain vitamins A, C and D and tablets for adults contain vitamins C, D, and folic acid. They do not contain milk, egg, gluten, soya or peanut residues and are suitable for vegetarians and halal diets.
If your baby is
- aged 6 months to 5 years,
- breastfed or are consuming less than 500ml of infant formula
it is recommended your child takes daily vitamin supplements.
In addition, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is recommended you take daily vitamin supplements.
Whilst the national scheme requires families to be in receipt of or eligible for Healthy Start vouchers , in Manchester or Salford you can collect them for free without having to use the Healthy Start card.
Where can mums get the vitamins from?
Healthy Start Vitamins can be collected from most Children Centres/Family hubs in Salford by just asking at reception – please see this link for a list of places the vitamins are available.
You can also collect the vitamins from Children centres and pharmacies in Manchester – please see this link for the list of places you can collect them.
I think this is great news for new mums and their children living in Salford and Manchester.
Want to know more about the Healthy Start scheme or have families that need help applying for the vouchers? I’ll be posting more about it very soon as we are part of a Greater Manchester wide campaign to increase take-up of this benefit provided by the government. In the meantime, head to www.healthystart.nhs.uk for more information.
