Barnardos and Better Start Bradford get HAPPY

Leading UK children’s charity Barnardos and Better Start Bradford are launching a new project for pregnant women called HAPPY.

HAPPY (Healthy and Active Parenting Programme) is a free, friendly antenatal and post-natal project for pregnant women that aims to reduce the number of overweight and obese children living in the Better Start Bradford area.

Starting from Tuesday 1 May 2018, Barnardos will be running the new project in the Better Start Bradford area.

Referrals are through the NHS and are designed for women with a body mass index (BMI) of greater than 25 at the time of registering their pregnancy. BMI is a measure of weight relative to height that gives an idea of total body fat, and a BMI of over 25 can increase the risk of diseases that are related to being overweight.

HAPPY will be delivered by Barnardos in children’s centres and community centres across the Better Start Bradford area by trained and experienced Family Links practitioners, who have completed additional HAPPY training.

More than 20% of children in the Better Start area are overweight or obese when they enter school, rising to 30% of Year 6 children – compared to 18% nationally.

Deborah Buxton, Children’s Services Manager at Barnardos BD5 Children’s Centre Cluster, said:

Pregnant women cannot register directly, but will be offered the project during their pregnancy.

The 12-week project includes:

Week 1 Brain science and bonding (woman approx. 26 weeks pregnant)

Week 2 A celebration of birth

Week 3 Personal power, self-esteem and healthy choices about food

Week 4 Boundaries, beliefs and values

Week 5 Feelings and how we communicate

Week 6 Beyond Labour Day

Week 7 A celebration of birth (baby approx. 6 weeks)

Week 8 Bringing structure to your life (baby approx. 9 weeks)

Week 9 Feeding and feelings (baby approx. 12 weeks)

Week 10 Families and food (baby approx. 5 months)

Week 11 Making the most of your day (baby approx. 7 months)

Week 12 Continuing the HAPPY journey (baby approx. 9 months)

“Through 12 sessions, we will be aiming to give the women taking part the confidence and information to make healthy food choices for themselves. We’ll also be showing them how to increase their physical activity, during and after pregnancy. Mums are supported with breastfeeding, weaning practices and effectively playing with their new baby to nurture their healthy development. Throughout the sessions, baby bonding is an additional theme covered to encourage families to develop a strong bond and relationship with their baby.” “The changes women can make in their own lifestyles before and after pregnancy can have a huge impact on the future health of their children and whether they grow up to be overweight and obese.”