Eat Better

Healthy Start

Healthy Start cards are those who are pregnant, and parents or carers of young children. If you meet the criteria you can get free vitamins and a card that can be used for milk (including first formula milk), vegetables and fruit.

Eating a varied diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables helps us stay well, as well as helping our mood and energy levels.

Less than 70% of families who could get Healthy Start cards are claiming all the good things that will help with their baby's health and development.

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Am I Eligible?

You’ll qualify for the Healthy Start scheme if you’re at least 10 weeks pregnant or you have at least one child that’s under 4.

In addition, you must be receiving any of the following:

Child Tax Credit (only if your family’s annual income is £16,190 or less)
Income Support
Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
Pension Credit (which includes the child addition)
Universal Credit (only if your family’s take-home pay is £408 or less per month from employment).

You will also be eligible for Healthy Start if:

You’re under 18 and pregnant, even if you are not claiming any benefits.

How Do I Apply?

You can apply online. To apply, you will need your:

Name
Address
Date of birth
National Insurance number
Baby’s due date (if you’re pregnant).

You can find more information on whether you are eligible, how to apply and frequently asked questions on the NHS Healthy Start website.

Find out more about Healthy Start

Healthy Start Vitamins

Who Can Get Free Healthy Start Vitamins?

If you are eligible for the Healthy Start scheme you will also be eligible for free Healthy Start vitamins.

You can have free Healthy Start vitamin tablets whilst you’re pregnant and until your baby’s first birthday. Eligible children can have free Healthy Start vitamin drops from the age of 4 weeks until their 4^th birthday. Children who are having 500ml or more of infant formula a day do not need Healthy Start vitamins.

To collect your vitamins, you will need to use your Healthy Start card in participating pharmacies. Use the post code search below find your nearest participating pharmacy in Norfolk.

Why Should I Get Healthy Start Vitamins?

Young children may not get enough vitamin A and D, even if they are eating well. If you're pregnant and breastfeeding you may not get enough vitamin C, D, or folic acid.

Healthy Start Vitamins - Photograph against purple background of a white container with healthy start vitamins and vitamin drops on the label.

Postcode search for Healthy Start vitamins

Who Can Help?

You can contact the Healthy Start Helpline on 0300 330 7010 or email healthy.start@nhsbsa.nhs.uk. Phone lines are open 8am - 6pm Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays).

You can contact the Healthy Child Service team by calling Just One Number on 0300 300 0123 or texting Parentline on 07520 631590. Our opening hours are 8am-6pm Monday-Friday (excluding bank holidays) and 9am-1pm on Saturdays.

If you are 11-19 you can text Chathealth on 07480 635060 for confidential advice from one of the Healthy Child Service team.

You can speak to other Norfolk parents and carers by clicking our online community forum below.