Henry – Healthy Families Right from the Start

2nd February 2023

What is HENRY?

HENRY is a charity working to give babies and young children a healthy start in life.

About the programme

The programme is for parents or carers of children aged 0 to 5 years old. It is free to join. Everyone wants the best for their children, but with so much conflicting advice it can be hard

to know what to do for the best as a parent, especially in the early years. The HENRY Healthy Families: Right from the Start programme is running locally. Join the

thousands of families across the country who have benefited from the support and tips it provides for young families.

Research shows that the key ingredients to ensuring babies and young children have a healthy start in life are:

Parenting confidence
Physical activity for little ones
What children and families eat
Family lifestyle habits
Enjoying life as a family

The programme covers these 5 themes across 8 weeks and provides everything you need to

help get your little one off to a great start.

8 Weekly sessions

Each week helps you provide a healthy, happy, supportive environment for the whole family.

Week 1 – Decide what changes you want to make and set your own goals
Week 2 – How to juggle life with young children so you all get what you need
Week 3 – How to respond to children’s needs without giving in to all their demands
Week 4 – Positive mealtime tips for a happy family – reducing mealtime stress for everyone
Week 5 – Ideas for active play to help children learn, develop and stay happy
Week 6 – Food groups, food labels, portion sizes for under 5s, first foods, and snack swaps
Week 7 – Understanding and managing your child’s behaviour for a happier home
Week 8 – Celebrate your success as a parent and plan the future for your family

How can I join an online programme?

Online HENRY programmes are running locally soon. Talk to your local Child Health Assistant, Health visiting Service, or Sure Start Centre to find out more, help you decide if you would enjoy it, or to ask to join a programme.

For more information contact Amanda Sherwood, BHSCT HENRY Coordinator Email: Amanda.Sherwood@belfasttrust.hscni.net or Tel: 02896155743