Story by Cath Baker
The Startwell Family Programme has been developed by Sheffield City Council Public Health team and is a five session programme that looks at healthy eating and lifestyle for the whole family.
The course is delivered in a community setting, locally Burngreave Children’s Centre, to parents of children aged 0-4 years and currently has a crèche for participants who need childcare to enable them to attend.
The content of the programme is of course applicable to the whole family to establish a healthy lifestyle but aims especially to embed good habits early in life to provide the best possible start for babies and young children.
Startwell gives information about healthy eating habits and portion sizes, age appropriate physical activities for the family, understanding parenting styles and emotional health and well-being.
It also looks at other topics such as dental health and importantly support for families living in Sheffield and how and where to access this.
One of the key aspects of the programme is the opportunity for parents to meet over a period of five weeks, to make new friends and realise that others are facing the same issues. Feedback from parents has been very positive.
“I really enjoyed every aspect of the course and learned so much.”
“I feel really comfortable to say my feelings and understanding people are having the same struggles as me.”
“I loved this course so much, it touched my heart coming to this class and has made me feel fresh and happy.”
The next course at Burngreave Children’s Centre will be starting in January. Courses run across the city. For more information contact startwell@sheffield.gov.uk or Burngreave Children’s Centre on 0114 252 5220. Startwell Sheffield also has a Facebook page.
