Health visitors are registered nurses or midwives who have chosen to gain additional qualifications through further specialist training at University. Their additional training, particularly in public health matters, enables them to assess the health needs of individuals, families and the wider community to promote good health and prevent illness.
Health visitors have a crucial role in making sure that children and young people have the best start in life. The day-to-day work of health visitors typically includes:
providing ante-natal and post-natal support
supporting parents in bringing up their young children
providing advice on feeding babies and children
assessing growth and development needs of young children
supporting children with special health, development or educational needs
advising on behavioural management techniques
advising on all aspects of accident prevention, including reducing risks
providing information on local services
A List of resources is available below to provide families with additional information on a wide range of topics.
Antenatal Resources
Infant Feeding
Postnatal Resources
Mental Health
Support and advice for parents with children aged 0-4 years is available via the Health Visiting Helpline :-
Available Monday to Friday 9am-5pm
Please contact us on: 028 9504 0846 or Email: HVadvice@belfasttrust.hscni.net