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Health Visiting Service

The Health Visiting Service supports families with a new baby or child under five-years-old by offering advice and guidance.

Who’s in the team?

Our team includes health visitors, community public health nurses, senior public health assistants and public health assistants.

Health visitors and community public health nurses are registered nurses or midwives that have undergone additional training in the care and development of pre-school children.

We work with midwives, GPs, paediatricians, local children's centres and voluntary organisations to provide the best possible care to you and your family.

Appointments with your Health Visiting Team

A member of the Health Visiting Team will see you at least three times; once during pregnancy (antenatal), again when your baby is around 10 days old and a further appointment at six to eight weeks following birth. We also offer two further developmental reviews, one between nine and 12 months and the next at two to two-and-a-half years.

You can email healthvisitingappointments@nhs.net to change or amend an appointment or contact your local team for support. Some of our appointments are offered virtually via phone or video calls. You can find out more about these and how to access your appointment on the Kent Family website.

Come along to a child health clinic for advice, information and support for you and your child's health and development from your local Health Visiting Team. You can find details of your local clinic and whether they have breastfeeding support sessions running alongside at the Kent Family website.

Parents and caregivers of children aged nought to 19 can now get more help for their questions and concerns at Kent Family.

You can find:

  • ways to take care of your child's emotions and well-being
  • tips and guidance on topics like feeding, sleep, behaviour, potty training, and development
  • free online mini-courses to help parents understand their child's journey from before birth to the teenage years
  • information about local services including Health Visiting, School Health, and School-aged Immunisations services
  • information for professionals working with families, including schools and nurseries.

You can find information for under-fives in the Kent Baby section.

Kent Family

Kent Family is here for your child's growth, happiness, and health.

Visit family.kentcht.nhs.uk

Other support on offer from the Health Visiting Service

  • Beside You – help and support with breastfeeding including details of local breastfeeding drop-in sessions and virtual groups.
  • Born to move app - is about encouraging play and interaction to help the learning and development of your baby’s brain at this early stage, building the foundations for a healthy, confident child.
  • Understanding your child – FREE online courses for anyone who is pregnant or caring for a child in Kent. There are courses for all stages from before baby arrives, up to 18 years of age. Use the access code Invicta to register for an account. You can complete courses in smaller chunks at your own pace.
  • Virtual workshops on a variety of topics including starting solids and toilet training.
  • Specialist Infant Feeding Service
  • Family Partnership Programme - available to families living in Kent who have experienced difficulties such as poverty, mental health issues, family problems or domestic abuse.
Beside You logo

Looking for breastfeeding support?

No matter what stage of the breastfeeding journey you’re in. Beside You is here to help every step of the way.

Visit BesideYouKent.co.uk
99%

Friends and Family test (FFT) question - percentage of positive responses

(Survey feedback from July to September 2024)

Your comments

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November 2024
Tonbridge and Malling

I felt very supported at all times by the health visitor. I always felt like I had someone to turn to if I needed help. Put all my worries to rest.

October 2024
Dover

The health visitor gave me a good amount of information and support, immediately making me feel comfortable to discuss everything. They also included my partner in the conversation which was extremely appreciated and helped him feel involved, which helped both of us.

September 2024
Shepway

I have spoken to four different people and every single one has been so kind, so friendly - absolutely amazing.

August 2024
Tunbridge Wells

Kind, calm patient. Gave my son toys and stickers. Really positive.

July 2024
Tonbridge & Malling

Clear information and advice given in a professional, caring manner.

June 2024
Tunbridge Wells

Very kind and informative health visitor, created a warm environment with plenty of toys for my little girl to explore whilst we were talking.

May 2024
Tonbridge and Malling

Health visitor was very thorough and really took the time to address all of our questions and concerns. Very personable and genuine.

May 2024
Tunbridge Wells

Everything is so professional, precise and well advised. We just get that feeling that we are in a good hands. Much appreciated. (Family Partnership Programme)

April 2024
Shepway

The visit was really informative where my questions were answered. My health visitor was also really supportive.

March 2024
Shepway

Health visitor made me feel genuinely looked after until I was ready to be discharged. She provided a safe place for me talk through concerns and provided reassurance and support.

February 2024
Canterbury

I struggle with ADHD and anxiety. Having my health visitor meant I had someone I could ask my questions to and help me contain my anxiety. I also loved setting goals because it helped me stay focused. I am so happy I had her to support me. (Family Partnership Programme)

January 2024
Tonbridge & Malling

Very good at explaining everything and showing a lot of support. They made sure they went through everything slowly and explaining everything to both of us.

May 2023
Dartford

Very straight forward and given good tips, feedback and encouragement.

May 2023
Swale

Very welcoming and explained everything.

May 2023
Shepway

Very friendly and informative, felt really relaxed.

May 2023
Tonbridge & Malling

I felt at ease and felt comfortable to discuss any concerns that I had.

May 2023
Dover

Pam was very supportive and happy to listen to my concerns.

May 2023
Sevenoaks

Rebecca was very patient, warm and welcoming for us and our daughter. She provided lots of great advice and explained everything clearly.

May 2023
Tunbridge Wells

Lovely friendly staff. Always happy to help and reassure. Being able to drop in also is brilliant.

May 2023
Gravesham

Deborah was very helpful and answered our queries thoroughly, great service provided,thank you very much.

May 2023
Thanet

Karen was very easy to talk to and very helpful.

May 2023
Ashford

Easy to talk to and felt there was genuine interest in my wellbeing and not just my baby. Amazing, friendly and supportive service.

January 2023
Canterbury & Coastal

I was really worried about being a mother. My autism causes me social anxiety and I was worried about how I would be as a mother. Having Sara support me reduced my anxiety and she helped me enjoy motherhood.

January 2023
Sevenoaks

Michelle, the health visitor, was absolutely professional and reassuring. She is assisting us so well and following up on all our ongoing situation with our son.

January 2023
Gravesham

Both staff members (Holly and Charlotte) were very professional and they explained what was going to happen with the appointment. Very good in handling and communicating with my daughter.

January 2023
Thanet

Very patient, answered all questions asked and very helpful. Thank you for being so patient with me.

January 2023
Shepway

Amie has been extremely helpful, informative, and reassuring. I have felt safe, reassured and happy with the service I have received and felt my baby has been safe at all times.

January 2023
Tunbridge Wells

Gillian was fantastic: super friendly, calm, patiend and engaging. The toys were a winner and my daughter enjoyed the experience.

January 2023
Dover

Very informative and friendly approach by Tracy. Made me feel calm and reassured.

January 2023
Tonbridge & Malling

Lorraine was very friendly and informative. She was very patient with my 1 year old through the appointment as well.

December 2022
Thanet

Karen gave good advice about our concerns that can help here and now. Plus advice for the future with potty training. Thanks for everything you do.

December 2022
Sevenoaks

Fab, super friendly service. Really helpful.

December 2022
Dover

Very informative, answered all queries we had. Very friendly appointment.

December 2022
Dartford

Sally was very personable and helpful. She followed up with an email with lots of links to good resources.

December 2022
Tonbridge & Malling

Very welcoming and knowledgeable. Made to feel at ease and could ask any questions.

December 2022
Tunbridge Wells

Rebecca was kind, friendly and patient.

June 2022
Shepway

Helen is very friendly and very nice lady. We really liked her, she made my daughter very comfortable, she is really good.

June 2022
Tunbridge Wells

Friendly, professional and reassuring health visitor. Took time to explain and signpost different services available.

June 2022
Ashford

Connie was lovely and very reassuring.

June 2022
Tonbridge & Malling

Lorraine was very friendly, inquisitive, listened thoroughly and provided good advice. She talked me through different support networks available and showed genuine interest in me and my baby.

June 2022
Tunbridge Wells

We had a fabulous experience with Sandra, who is a good health visitor. She explained everything clearly and it was understandable.

May 2022
Shepway

Donna has been my health visitor for almost 2 years and has offered so much help and support for me and my family. Donna is always so polite friendly and easy to talk to.

May 2022
Swale

Brilliant advice given, very calm environment. Listened to my concerns and offered reassurance.

May 2022
Deal

Informative and happy to ask questions I feel very comfortable and welcome.

May 2022
Gravesham

Tammy has been amazing. She answered all my questions and gave very good advice in how to handle some situations.

May 2022
Thanet

Karen was very polite and gave us lots of good information to help us understand our child.

April 2022
Tunbridge Wells

They gave me lots of advice about how to help my son.

April 2022
Sevenoaks

I felt supported and listened to and encouraged by the nurse. I felt reassured about my parenting and development of my baby.

April 2022
Ashford

Fantastic meeting. Katie was professional and superb and one couldn't fault her.

April 2022
Tonbridge & Malling

Lorraine was very friendly, open and reassuring. And provided me with lots of resources for the local area.

March 2022
Dover

Really kind, helpful health visitor. Good advice. Non-judgemental.

March 2022
Sevenoaks

Very friendly, took the time to listen to my concerns, provide constructive advice and support with breastfeeding.

March 2022
Tonbridge & Malling

It was wonderful to see someone and to discuss my child's development. Claire was very knowledgeable and helpful.

March 2022
Thanet

Steph was very friendly and welcoming and was able to answer the questions I had.

March 2022
Gravesham

Very calm, friendly and professional visit.

February 2022
Sevenoaks

Lovely health visitor, so kind and caring down to earth, very good advice and listened.

February 2022
Canterbury & Coastal

Wendy was friendly, approachable, thorough and put me at ease with any concerns I had. Very knowledgeable.

February 2022
Tunbridge Wells

Carol rang beforehand to ensure it was a convenient time. Friendly and approachable and non-judgemental. Lots of information and time given.

February 2022
Shepway

Aimee has always been so supportive and understanding. She offers lots of advice.

January 2022
Swale

Informative and friendly, helped answer any questions or concerns I have, made me feel supported.

January 2022
Tonbridge & Malling

Lorraine was very personable. Advised where needed without being patronising. Very friendly and professional.

January 2022
Dover

Health visitor Katrina was really informative and helpful.

January 2022
Tunbridge Wells

The health visitor was really kind. It was a pleasure to speak to her, she gave a time for questions. Was happy to discuss anything about my children.

January 2022
Deal

Friendly and welcoming health visitor, listened to all my concerns and questions and gave lots of advice.

November 2022
Dover

Amy is absolutely lovely. She helps with any concerns I have. Gives great advice and reassures me on any issue.

November 2022
Canterbury & Coastal

Sara has been a good support. Helped my anxiety.

November 2022
Gravesham

I got answers to all my questions regarding my sons wellbeing. Very supportive service.

November 2022
Sevenoaks

Rebecca was so kind and helpful. Answered all my questions and worries. Felt at ease.

October 2022
Dover

My health visitor has been really helpful and supportive to myself and my baby.

November 2022
Shepway

Kelly has been amazing! Really listened, responded and suggested the right support that I needed. Her calm, friendly nature also put me at ease.

October 2022
Tunbridge Wells

Relaxed - easy to talk to . Gave lots of information.

October 2022
Ashford

Really lovely member of staff. Reassuring and friendly.

October 2022
Dover

Felt very at ease, made to feel welcome and reassured.

October 2022
Tonbridge & Malling

Friendly, supportive and thorough appointment. Lots of conversation and topics discussed with ample opportunity to ask questions.

September 2022
Shepway

Helen was very helpful with answering all of my questions and putting my mind at ease.

September 2022
Sevenoaks

Explained clearly, felt supported, given advice.

September 2022
Ashford

All very welcoming, health visitor was absolutely lovely and very, very helpful.

September 2022
Tunbridge Wells

Very informative and helpful. The health visitor answered all my questions and put me at ease.

September 2022
Tonbridge & Malling

Lorraine was very friendly and informative with any questions we had.

September 2022
Gravesham

Debbie was very nice and explained everything clearly during the antenatal visit.

September 2022
Canterbury & Coastal

Wendy is amazing, very experienced and answered all my questions putting my mind at rest.

August 2022
Swale

Very informative, welcoming and supportive.

August 2022
Sevenoaks

I felt cared for, safe and relieved to know that post natal services and help are always available when I need it.

August 2022
Thanet

Health visitor was very welcoming, polite and professional.

August 2022
Dartford

Was good to see my child was where he should be and have some reassurance, also getting him measured and weighed was really nice.

August 2022
Tunbridge Wells

Rachel as always is very good with all advise and support with breastfeeding. She's so helpful when I have to bring my older son too.

August 2022
Shepway

The nurse was very friendly and happy and made us all feel very comfortable.

July 2022
Canterbury & Coastal

Wendy was friendly, thorough and approachable.

July 2022
Thanet

Very understanding, kind, helpful and thorough.

July 2022
Tunbridge Wells

Rachel has seen all my kids from birth and has been great support to us as a family.

July 2022
Dover

Health visiter I have is fantastic, couldn't as for more help and support.

July 2022
Tonbridge & Malling

Lorraine was very helpful and friendly during the visit.