Eligible families in Cumberland are being encouraged to apply for free vitamins and help with the cost of food and milk as part of the Healthy Start scheme.
The scheme provides a prepaid card worth up to £8.50 per week to spend on fresh produce such as:
- cow's milk
- fresh, frozen, or tinned fruit and vegetables
- infant formula milk
- fresh, dried, and tinned pulses
Visit the Healthy Start website for more information.
If you're finding it hard to manage rising living costs, you can get advice and support on our cost of living and welfare support page.
How to apply
To be eligible you must get certain benefits. Details of these and how to apply is on the NHS website.
You can also apply by either email or phone.
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 0300 330 7010
Phone lines are open 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday (except public holidays). Charges may apply.
Get free vitamins with NHS Healthy Start
You may not get enough essential vitamins from food alone.
Young children and babies may need extra vitamin A and D. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, you may need more vitamin C, vitamin D and folic acid.
If you get NHS Healthy Start payments, you can get free vitamin products to help.
What you can get
There are two types of Healthy Start vitamins:
- women’s tablets – for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding
- children’s drops – for babies and young children
These products contain the recommended amounts of vitamins set by the government.
What’s in the vitamins
Children’s drops contain:
- vitamin A
- vitamin C
- vitamin D
Women’s tablets contain:
- folic acid
- vitamin C
- vitamin D
Healthy Start vitamins do not contain:
- milk
- egg
- gluten
- soya
- peanut residues
They’re suitable for vegetarians and halal diets.
Who should take them
Children and babies can take vitamin drops:
- from birth if they’re breastfed
- if they’re under 4 years old
- if they drink less than 500ml (about one pint) of infant formula a day – formula already includes added vitamins
How much you get
Healthy Start vitamins come as an 8-week supply:
- 56 tablets – 1 tablet a day
- 280 drops – 5 drops a day
Do not take more than the recommended daily amount.
Where to collect your vitamins
You can collect Healthy Start vitamins from:
- your midwife
- Cumberland Libraries
- Family Hub sites