Help with children's health
Health visiting service
Our health visitors are here to support you throughout your parenting journey. This goes from preparing for parenthood all the way to your child's early years. They can provide help on various topics, including:
- childhood illnesses
- sleep patterns
- teething
- toilet training
- self-care for parents
For information on what to do if your child is unwell, you can download a helpful leaflet by clicking here. If you need the leaflet in a different format or language, please contact our team.
Contact the team on 0300 373 0944 or visit the Children's Services website here for more information.
Facebook: @wakefieldhealthvisitingbdct
School nurses
Our school nurse teams are dedicated to supporting school-aged children and young people, as well as their caregivers. They collaborate with schools, local authorities, health colleagues, and voluntary services to provide the best possible support.
Their role involves offering guidance on various aspects of healthy living. This includes working alongside you to help make informed decisions. Whether it's within schools, other educational settings, or the local community, our school nurses are here to support the well-being of children and young people.
Contact the team on 0300 373 0944 or visit the webpage here for more information.
Emotional and mental wellbeing support
Usually when a child or young person feels sad, stressed, frightened, or worried, these feelings will pass with time. But it's important they have help from family, friends, teachers or other health or care professionals.
In Wakefield there are lots of ways to get help including:
Overnight listening and advice service
Night OWLS is a confidential helpline available to children, young people, parents, and carers in:
- Bradford
- Leeds
- Calderdale
- Kirklees
- Wakefield
It offers support for concerns related to emotional and mental wellbeing.
It's available 8pm to 8am every day.
To access the service call this number for free 0300 2003900, text 07984 392700, or chat on www.wynightowls.org.uk.
The DadPad
The DadPad is a practical guide designed for new and expectant fathers. Developed with the NHS, it offers valuable information and tips to help you gain confidence and skills in being the best dad you can be.
It is recommended to use the DadPad during pregnancy, around birth, and throughout the early years of your child's life (up to age two).
It includes information that will:
- help you develop the necessary mind-set and practical skills, even if you have no experience
- save you time by enabling you to quickly get to grips with your new responsibilities
- reduce your anxiety and help you gain confidence, so that you can offer the help needed
- give you the tools to provide the best support for your baby and your baby’s mum
- find out more and download the DadPad app for free at thedadpad.co.uk/app/
Worried your child is ill?
West Yorkshire Healthier Together is a newly developed website created by local healthcare professionals. Its purpose is to assist you in determining where to seek advice or treatment.
The website serves as a reliable tool, offering consistent and accurate healthcare guidance to:
- parents
- carers
- young people
- professionals
The information available on the site has undergone thorough review by local experts, including:
- paediatricians
- GPs
- pharmacists
- other healthcare professionals
This ensures it reflects current practices and procedures.
The site also provides guidance and information for health professionals working across hospital and primary care settings on managing common paediatric problems.
Visit: www.wyhealthiertogether.nhs.uk for trustworthy healthcare advice.