Littlehampton Children and Family Centre puts health first

Littlehampton Children and Family Centre is showing that giving children a healthy start is top of its agenda, by setting up groups to help with fitness and wellbeing.

The groups have been set up at the centre in Clun Road, following a recent national National Audit Commission report called ‘Giving Children a Healthy Start.'

Debbie Cullern, Centre Manager, says improving the health and wellbeing of young children is at the heart of all they do at the centre.

"We have always promoted healthy living but now we have started some new groups to encourage parents and children to share active play and eat more healthily," she said.

The groups include:

· Fun-fit kids: Starting on Monday March 15, 1.15pm-2.30pm, this is an active play course for parents and children aged three to five years old. It is to encourage families to share a healthy lifestyle, and will include energetic games and healthy living ideas.
· Weaning: On Thursdays 1pm-2.30pm, this is a group for parents to give ideas and support around healthy foods to start babies with.
· Budding chefs: Mondays 12.30pm-2.30pm. A cooking-on-a-budget group for parents who need to build confidence and know-how in the kitchen.

The centre already has a breastfeeding support drop-in group called MILK, which runs on Thursdays, 10.15am-noon, and supported a total of 815 mums last year with advice on why breastfeeding can help a child's future health.

Pat Arculus, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Children and Young People's Services, said: "In West Sussex, we see the health of children as a priority. As well as the groups, Littlehampton Children and Family Centre also has health visitors and health trainers regularly on hand to give advice and information.

"These groups are a great way for families to do activities together, as well as meet other parents and children, and stay healthy in the process.

"Children and Family Centres are a place for mums, dads and carers to drop in for a drink and a healthy snack at the café, or for a parent and baby/toddler group to access advice on all sorts of services."

For more information about the centre and the services it provides, contact Family Outreach Workers Debbie Watkins, Lorna Newman or Julia Minnock on 01903 276840.

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