New weight management and early years prevention services launched to support children and young people's health
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board (UHB) has launched a new weight management and prevention service for children and young people, which is supported by Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan’s Public Health Team and regional public service boards.
The Nutrition for Your Little One (NYLO) and Active Families, Active Lives (AFAL) programmes were launched in alignment with Welsh Government’s Healthy Weight Healthy Wales strategy, to give children the best start in life.
Additionally, the service corresponds with Cardiff and the Vale’s Move More, Eat Well 2020-2023 Plan, which strives to ensure that people are moving more and eating well throughout their lives.
Weight management services have previously only existed for adults. The children’s weight management service launch will fill a gap by opening up to children and young people.
Considering wider determinants of health, the children’s weight management service offers families, children and young people support and advice from on a range of children’s health topics such as: food, activity, sleep, stress, to give families skills and knowledge to support healthier lifestyles.
On assessment support can be provided by the Health Board’s NYLO and AFAL teams and people can be directed to services that are deemed appropriate for their needs at that time. Where needed specialist input is available from Doctors, Dietitians, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Psychologists and School Nurses.
Clinician Lead Dietitian at Cardiff and Vale UHB, Rachel Smart said: “People living with overweight and obesity live with stigma, judgement and shame every day. As a weight management service for children we strive to follow the Health Board’s values and behaviours for our patient group by caring for them and keeping them well.
“With compassionate, non-judgemental support and intervention we hope to allow children and their families the time to thrive and enjoy all the benefits good health can provide. Our hope is for children to turn into adults who care for themselves and have self-compassion, have good relationships with food and exercise and not feel guilt or shame around food choices.
“Nothing has previously existed for our children living with overweight and obesity. If we are to reduce overweight and obesity, compassionate support for children and families is needed at an early age.”
Referrals to both the NYLO and AFAL teams can be directed through the Community Dietitians at Riverside Health Centre, Wellington Street, Canton, Cardiff, CF11 9SH. Email: Dietitians.cav@wales.nhs.uk.
Further information and support on a range of children’s health topics can be found below: