HAF Toolkit for parents and carers

BetterPoints is a free mobile app that encourages you to take part in physical activity by offering rewards.

The points earned can be converted into vouchers to spend in local and national high street shops or given to local charities as a monetary donation.

If you want to find out more, download the BetterPoints app today.

More than 7,000 Buckinghamshire residents have downloaded the app. BetterPoints are earned for being active, accessing local leisure facilities, and even taking the bus for more sustainable ways to travel in the county.

Buckinghamshire Council's "Love Exploring" app is free. It offers families a way of exploring their local area, parks and green spaces more through walking using the app.

Games (such as dinosaur safari) and guided trails include quizzes as you explore the place you are visiting.

If you love exploring as a family then this activity is for you.

ParkPlay is a free, two-hour organised play session held in local parks. It offers active, inclusive games for all ages in a safe and welcoming environment. At ParkPlay, people can connect, be active, and have fun together.

To take part, families simply need to register in advance. You will then receive a unique barcode for attendance.

To find your nearest ParkPlay, visit our directory.

Play Streets sessions allow groups of neighbours to temporarily close off their road so that children can play safely outside their homes and neighbours can get together.

The sessions typically last for up to 2 hours and have many benefits, including:

• encouraging children to play outdoors
• allowing adult neighbours to connect and interact
• promoting healthy living
• bringing communities together

Find out more about Play Streets on the Playing Out website and the Play Streets Bucks Facebook group.

NHS Healthy Start

Families with children under the age of four and pregnant women (10 weeks plus), may be entitled to additional money to buy healthy food and milk.

Eligible families are sent a Healthy Start card with money on it that they can use in all shops that accept MasterCard, with money added to the card every 4 weeks.

The card can be used to buy:

• plain liquid cow’s milk
• fresh, frozen, and tinned fruit and vegetables
• fresh, dried, and tinned pulses
• Infant formula milk based on cow’s milk

Dental Health

Information on dental health and how to take care of your teeth and gums is on the NHS website.

Be Healthy Bucks offers free support to help families build healthier lifestyles together.

Beezee Families programme

The programme supports children who are above a healthy weight, with face-to-face and online sessions in a friendly, non-judgemental space. They focus on simple, practical changes that work for everyday life. Families learn together about:

• healthy eating
• physical activity
• sleep
• emotional wellbeing

Children enjoy fun, active sessions, while parents and carers get support with mealtimes, routines and family habits.

The focus is on confidence and long-term wellbeing, not weight.

Extra support

Families who complete the programme may receive a 6-month leisure centre membership, including:

• Swimming, soft play and gym access
• First three months fully subsidised

How to join

You can be referred by a professional or self-refer online.

Eligibility

To be eligible, you need to be a Buckinghamshire resident and have a child
or children aged 4 to 3 who are overweight on the NHS BMI centile chart.

If a child or young person is in crisis or at immediate risk of harm, call 999 or attend the nearest Emergency Department. For urgent mental health support, contact NHS 111 and select the mental health option where available.

Looking after your child's emotional wellbeing is just as important as their physical health. If you are concerned about your child's mental health, feelings, behaviour or wellbeing, support is available for children, young people and families in Buckinghamshire.

CAMHS is a Specialist NHS mental health support for children and young people. They offer support for children and young people experiencing significant mental health difficulties

CAMHS also has resources, information and practical advice for parents and carers.

The Mental Health Support Team's Parent Resources. Information and practical advice for parents and carers.

Health for Kids and Health for Teens offer local advice on:

• emotional health
• anxiety
• stress
• sleep
• healthy relationships
• wellbeing

Unmasking Parenthood is a campaign in Buckinghamshire for advice, support, and information during parenthood.

Growing Hope provides free therapy for children and young people with additional needs and their families, in partnership with local churches, across the UK.

They grow hope through:

• provision of free therapy services
• groups for parents, carers and siblings

Nest Aylesbury Vale provides trained volunteers who visit families struggling to cope with difficult times, in their own homes and at their request.

Volunteers provide emotional and practical support to help parents get back on track. Our service is available throughout Aylesbury Vale. Families can refer themselves or can be referred by health professionals.

For more information:

• 01296 485615
• [email protected]