New health services launched to support residents at every stage of life

Residents across Knowsley can now benefit from a strengthened offer of health and wellbeing support, with the launch of the new Healthy Knowsley Service, which will be delivered via three new and distinct services designed to help people lead healthier lives.

The new services – commissioned by Knowsley Council and delivered by Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust and City Health Care Partnership CIC – support adults and pregnant women, children and families, as well as promoting better oral health for all.

Cllr Christine Bannon, Knowsley Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, said: “When we commission services, we want to ensure that we partner with providers that can deliver for our residents and reflect our commitment to improving health and wellbeing outcomes.

“By revamping how these health services are delivered in Knowsley, we believe that our residents will receive the best possible support and this will help them to ultimately lead healthier lives.

“Importantly, residents who are already receiving support should experience no disruption.”

Supporting adults and expectant mothers

The Healthy Knowsley Service for Adults and Pregnant Women, delivered by Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust, will continue to provide tailored support for residents looking to achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

Following a referral, clients will be contacted within 48 hours and offered a range of personalised pathways, including:

• Health coaching
• Group-based weight management
• A multi-component weight management programme combining dietary advice, physical activity and coaching
• Slimming World on Referral
• Health walks

Eligibility is based on BMI criteria, with additional pathways available for pregnant women based on pre-pregnancy BMI. People with more complex needs, or higher BMI levels, may be referred to specialist Tier 3 services for additional support.

Residents already accessing this service will experience no disruption.

More information is available here Healthy Knowsley Service: The Life Rooms

Helping children, young people and families thrive

The Healthy Futures Knowsley for children, young people and families, will be delivered by City Health Care Partnership CIC and is focused on supporting young people and their families to adopt sustainable, healthy lifestyles.

The service is open to children and young people aged 5–17 (up to 25 for those with SEND) who meet the eligibility criteria. Support will be delivered over 8–12 weeks and will focus on practical, long-term changes such as:

• Healthy eating
• Improving sleep
• Increasing physical activity

Programmes are tailored by age group, with a family-focused approach for younger children and more independent, young person-led sessions for older participants.

A range of additional programmes will also be available, including:

• Family cookery sessions to build skills and confidence in preparing healthy meals
• School-based healthier lifestyle programmes
• The Healthy Early Years Award scheme, recognising early years settings that promote good health

Further information can be found here www.healthyfuturesknowsley.org.uk

Improving oral health in Knowsley

The third new service, Oral Health Knowsley, will also be delivered by City Health Care Partnership CIC and aims to improve oral health outcomes for residents of all ages.

The service will provide expert advice, training and support, including:

• Community Mouth Care Matters training
• Oral health awareness sessions
• Supervised toothbrushing in early years settings
• Oral health campaigns and resources

How to access the services

While most residents will experience a smooth transition, the introduction of new providers means some changes to referral routes.

For the adult and pregnancy service, referrals will continue through the Healthy Lifestyle Hub, with self-referral also available via Freephone 0800 0731 202.

For Healthy Futures Knowsley, referrals can be made by emailing chcp.healthyfuturesknowsley@nhs.net or calling 0151 426 7462.

For Oral Health Knowsley, residents and partners can email chcp.oralhealthknowsley@nhs.net or call 0151 426 7462.