 Families offered a Healthy Start
Recent research has shown that just under a third of households in Devon with children are experiencing food insecurity, but at the moment, only around half of eligible families are signed up to the government's Healthy Start scheme, which means many are missing out on much needed support.
If you are pregnant or have children under four years old, you may be eligible to receive financial support towards fruit and veg, pulses, cows' milk, formula, and also receive free vitamins!
If you think you may be eligible or already receive Healthy Start support, you can sign up for a free fruit and veg box, to be delivered directly to your door along with nutritious and delicious recipes.
Along with this promotional box you will also get a guide to making the most of the Healthy Start scheme and information about important changes coming this autumn when the scheme is set to go digital.
Don't miss out! To find out if you are eligible fill out this online form now.
There are a limited number of boxes. Applications will close on Friday 24 September at midday, or when all boxes are allocated.
We want children and young people in Devon to enjoy experiences and activities that allow them to make new friends, learn new skills and feel confident and happy. For disabled children and young people, we do this by providing short breaks and activities, which also give parents and carers a break from their caring responsibilities.
In 2019 we started a project to look into our short breaks offer with a view to improving it. We talked to lots of people, including parents and carers and children and young people, and learnt lots about how they felt about short breaks before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Unfortunately the COVID-19 pandemic meant that we had to pause the project but we’re pleased to let you know that we are up and running again. We’re keen to talk to more parents and carers to find out if their feelings have changed over the past 18 months, or if they have had any experiences (good or bad!) that they want to tell us about.
Please fill out our new survey before the end of the month to help us build on what we’ve already heard, so we can use your feedback to shape our offer and provide fair, inclusive, and exciting short breaks and activities that give children and young people with disabilities the opportunity to thrive both at home and within their communities.
Could you open your heart and home to a child?
Adopt South West is part of the new nationwide #YouCanAdopt campaign to encourage suitable prospective adopters ready to start their adoption journey.
Did you know that Black children wait the longest to be adopted?
Research shows that the majority of Black people have positive and altruistic views around adoption, 80 per cent have adopted or would consider it in the future. However, there are a number of specific barriers which can stop Black people from considering adoption, including misconceptions about the type of person that can adopt or fear of the process being overly intrusive or a mistrust of authority. The campaign aims to address these barriers; as Black or mixed heritage children tend to wait longer to be matched with a new adoptive family.
The #YouCanAdopt Black Adopters campaign aims to accurately and positively improve perceptions about adoption by breaking down some of these common myths. It has also been designed to support Black and mixed-heritage people who express an interest in adoption, to feel confident that they are eligible to, and capable of, adopting.
Watch the video.
Why should I adopt?
There are children all over the South West looking for safe and loving homes. Adoption is incredibly rewarding for both the adoptive parent and the child or children. It can be life changing for children who are so desperately in need of new and loving homes.
Over the years, adoption has evolved to become a much simpler and quicker process than it has been previously. There is also far more support available to adoptive parents to help guide them through the journey.
At Adopt South West, we are here for everyone involved in adoption. Adoptive parents need guidance and support as they go through the process of adopting a child. We can provide information, mediation, therapeutic support, counselling and advice whatever your situation.
YouCanAdopt! To find out more visit Adopt South West and begin your journey towards building your family.
 "The HANDi app has been incredibly beneficial since becoming a mum"
Not sure what to do when your child is unwell? Watch Louise's story and then download the free HANDi Paediatric app, which is available right across Devon, and get expert advice when you need it. Search for ‘HANDi app’ on Apple or Android.
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