Those who drop in will find a range of activities and information to help them give their own babies the healthiest start.

Members of the Young Fathers Project will be cooking a healthy lunch and there will be activities such as baby massage and a baby gym. Please bring your children and babies with you.

Health professionals will also be on hand to answer questions and offer advice or support.

Start4Life aims to support parents in breastfeeding, weaning and activity for toddlers. It is closely allied to Change4Life. It communicates 6 key behaviours designed to build healthy habits from day one.

Whilst mothers are important target audience, Start4Life’s website has a special section for partners and supporters, at www.nhs.uk.start4life

Andy Wood, Fathers Project Worker at MAP, said: “The project aims to help young fathers to engage with their own children.


“Research shows that young children feel more protected if there is a positive attachment to their father as well as their mother. In later life the research shows girls are more likely to form positive relationships and boys are more likely to avoid trouble if they have a positive relationship with a father figure in their life.


“The Young Fathers listened to a talk from NHS Norfolk on the importance of giving your children the healthiest start in life and they decided to organise this event to spread the word.”

The Young Fathers Project is organising two similar Start4Life events on February 24 and March 24.

MAP can be contacted at www.map11-25.org or phone 01603 766994.

Funding to help the fathers put on the event has been provided by NHS Norfolk through a successful bid for funds from the Department of Health.

Deborah Garrod, NHS Norfolk’s Maternal, Infant Nutrition & Breastfeeding Co-ordinator said: “I am really pleased to be able to work with MAP and the young fathers and have been impressed by their commitment and enthusiasm in putting this event together.


“It would be great to see lots of people there, supporting their efforts and taking away the Start4Life messages.”


“Both parents have an important role in ensuring children eat healthily, have the exercise they need and are encouraged to lead lifestyles which promote good health.”

Other groups which want to follow suit and put on a Start4Life event can apply to NHS Norfolk. Applications can be made by health professionals and groups which support families. Funding might, for example, cover the cost of refreshments or crèche facilities etc., at events which specifically promote or support Start4Life.

Deborah said: “Sometimes a small amount of funding and the support we can give can make it possible to achieve something new.”

For further information about hosting an event, please email Deborah Garrod at [email protected] or call her direct on 01603 257267.

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