HARROGATE and District NHS Foundation Trust (HDFT) have been awarded a £17.1 million contract to deliver the Healthy Child Programme in Stockton.

The foundation trust has been commissioned by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council to deliver the Healthy Child Programme for young people aged from 0 to 19 following a competitive bidding process.

The programme identifies the needs of children, young people and families and helps them overcome challenges and develops resources in the community so they can access support when and where they need it. The contract will run for four years from April 1 this year.

In addition, Harrogate and District Foundation Trust will provide the Growing Well, Growing Healthy services, to implement a plan for preventing obesity in children and young people and deliver the National Child Measurement Programme.

They will also operate the Family Outreach and Volunteering Service, working in partnership with the national charity Family Action, which provides practical, emotional and financial support to those experiencing poverty, disadvantage and social isolation.

The service will work to improve people’s confidence in their parenting, help them feel in control and less stressed, enhance relationships and wellbeing, particularly for children but also with partners, family and the local community and develop resources to support families.

HDFT already operates the 0-19 Healthy Child Programme in North Yorkshire, Middlesbrough, Darlington and County Durham.