Have your say on changes to services for families

Cheshire West and Chester Council has launched a 12-week public consultation on proposals to change parts of its Healthy Child Programme.

Residents are invited to have their say on changes to services aimed at families this autumn. 

The current programme, delivered on behalf of the Council by Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (CWP), helps children and young people aged up to 19 (or 25 with special educational needs) and their families. 

The consultation follows engagement with families during the spring to gather feedback on current services. 

Cllr Lisa Denson, the Council’s Cabinet Member for A Fairer Future (Poverty, Public Health and Mental Health), said:

“One of our key priorities as a Council is supporting children and young people to have the best start in life so they can develop and reach their full potential. 

“We’ve been working with families in the borough to find out what people think of current services and how we can shape them in the future, particularly in light of increasing numbers of people needing help and rising costs.   

“Now we’re appealing to families again, this time to take a look at our proposals and let us know what you think.” 

The contract for the Healthy Child Programme, part of the current Starting Well service, comes to an end on 30 June 2027.  

This public consultation aims to inform the new contract and build a service that can have the greatest impact within budget. 

Proposals include reducing or ending an evidence-based parenting programme, reducing the scope of the School Nursing Service or reducing or ending the Family Nurse Partnership Service. 

Families, young people and professionals are invited to have their say on the proposals.  

Cllr Adan Langan, The Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said:

“Please take a look at our proposals and give us your feedback so that we know we’re doing the right thing for our communities.” 

The consultation closes on 8th February 2026. 

To find out more and to take part: 

• Complete the online survey at: www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/HealthyChildProgramme 

• Email: HealthyChildProgramme@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk 

• Write to: Healthy Child Programme Consultation, Cheshire West and Chester Council, The Portal, Wellington Road, Ellesmere Port CH65 0BA  

• Telephone: 0300 123 8123 and quote ‘Healthy Child Programme consultation’  

• Request paper copies of this engagement or alternative formats using the contact details above.