L-R Donna and Katie from the Healthy Families service

Health Trainers take the lead in launching new Healthy Families sessions

City of York Council’s Health Trainer service is excited to launch the brand‑new Healthy Families Service – a warm, welcoming and completely free way for families in York to boost their physical and emotional wellbeing.

Led by the friendly faces of Katie and Donna, the Healthy Families Service is all about supporting your whole family, helping you make small lifestyle changes that can add up to a big difference.

This is a voluntary, family‑led programme designed to fit around real life. Families can join up to six free sessions, where Health Trainers will help with things like:

  • Eating healthier in simple, budget‑friendly ways
  • Sleeping better and creating calming routines
  • Moving more as a family, in ways that feel fun, not forced
  • Building emotional resilience and reducing day‑to‑day worries
  • Setting gentle, realistic goals that work for your family
  • Changing old habits that aren’t helping anymore
  • Celebrating your wins, big or small

The team is skilled at spotting what’s already going well and helping families build on it, step by step.

There’s no set formula for how support needs to look. Sessions are shaped entirely around what feels right for each family.

Health Trainers can meet:

  • at home
  • at school
  • online
  • in a community centre or library
  • or even in your local park

Kids, grandparents – even pets – are all welcome to join in.

Cllr Lucy Steels‑Walshaw, Executive Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care, said: “This service is about helping every family in York live healthier, happier lives. By offering friendly, personalised support in the places where people feel most at ease, we’re making good health more accessible and giving children the best possible start.”

Peter Roderick, Director of Public Health at City of York Council, added: “We know many children and young people are struggling with disrupted routines, poor sleep, and the pressures of digital life. This service responds directly to those challenges – giving families the guidance, encouragement and space they need to build positive habits together.”

How to get started

Families can self-refer or be referred by a healthcare professional.

Get in touch:
www.york.gov.uk/HealthyFamilies
Text: 07789 946 384
Call: 01904 553377
Email: healthtrainers@york.gov.uk

 

[Image Caption, above: L-R Donna and Katie from the Healthy Families service]

23 February 2026/City of York Council/, , ,