All Together Smiling Programme launches oral health roadshow across Cheshire and Merseyside
Thursday, 8 May 2025
Children and families across Cheshire and Merseyside will have the chance to learn about oral health in a fun and interactive way as part of a special oral health engagement roadshow taking place during National Smile Month.
The roadshow is part of the All Together Smiling Programme funded by NHS Cheshire and Merseyside and delivered through Beyond – the Cheshire and Merseyside children and young people’s transformation programme in collaboration with Public Health teams. The programme aims to boost awareness of good dental hygiene and reduce tooth decay in the region’s most vulnerable communities.
During National Smile Month (12 May-12 June), the programme will take to the road using the Alder Hey mobile unit to visit all nine places across Cheshire and Merseyside. The oral health roadshow features stops in community hubs, shopping centres, and family-friendly venues:
Wednesday 21 May
- Warrington, from 10 to 11am, at the Living Well Hub
- Sefton, from 12:30 to 1:30pm, at Bootle Strand Shopping Centre
- Knowsley, from 3 to 4pm, at New Hutte Family Hub
Wednesday 28 May
- Wirral, from 9:45 to 10:45am at Brassey Gardens Children’s Centre
- Cheshire West, from 12:30 to 1:30pm, at Winsford Cross Shopping Centre
- Cheshire East, from 2:30 to 3:30pm, at Crewe Lifestyle Centre
Wednesday 4 June
- Liverpool, from 9:30 to 10:30am, at Sefton Park
- St Helens, from 12 to 1pm, at Central Link Family Hub
- Halton, 2 to 3pm, at Runcorn Old Town
During the events, families can access a variety of free oral health resources including toothbrush and toothpaste packs, free-flow cups, Save Kids From Sugar, and Give Up Loving Pop materials. Information leaflets, tips for healthy routines, and on-site oral health guidance will also be available.
To make the events more engaging for young children, a local oral health mascot will be present to greet families and support learning through playful interaction. Additionally, on one of the tour days (28 May), a local media organisation will deliver hands-on animation workshops, using iPad stations.
This outreach builds on the success of the wider All Together Smiling Supervised Toothbrushing Programme, which has already distributed more than 238,000 dental care packs to children across the region.
Tooth decay remains the leading cause of hospital admission for children aged five to nine, with those living in the most deprived communities 3.5 times more likely to have a decaying tooth extracted than children in more affluent areas.
Professor Ian Ashworth, NHS Cheshire and Merseyside’s Director of Population Health, said:
“Oral health is a key component of our wider population health strategy. Initiatives like this help us target inequalities by delivering tailored support to those who need it most.
“These community events are a great way to make oral health education fun, accessible, and engaging for families. By getting out into local areas, we’re able to speak directly with parents and carers and help give children the best start in life.”
Dr Elizabeth Crabtree, Programme Director, Beyond Children and Young People Transformation Programme, said:
“Our mission is to support children’s long-term wellbeing. Promoting oral health is about more than just preventing tooth decay – it’s about giving children the confidence and care they need to thrive.
“We know that small steps like brushing with fluoride toothpaste can have a huge impact, especially when supported early. These events combine fun, learning and connection, helping us give every child the chance to grow up healthy, happy – and smiling.”
To find out more about looking after your children’s teeth, visit the NHS website.
Acknowledgements to The Brush Bus, Alder Hey Children’s Hospital Trust, Liverpool City Council, City Healthcare Partnerships CIC and Food Active who have provided resources to support this roadshow.