This week Karen Howeell, chief executive of Wirral Community NHS Foundation Trust, gives our readers advice on breast-feeding and staying healthy...

AS a former nurse, I know that one of the most rewarding aspects of working for the NHS is that you can make such a positive difference to someone's life.

When that impact is on a child, you can literally help them to shape a whole different future.

Staff in our 0-19 service in Wirral and Cheshire East do just that every day.

The team includes health visitors, school nurses, the screening and immunisation team, family nurse partnership and infant feeding specialists.

Last September it expanded further to include a 0-19 health promotion team, which helps children with weight problems.

More than 30% of children are now overweight or obese – according to national research by Health Survey England – posing serious risks for thousands of children across Cheshire East and Wirral.

That's why we offer a children's Fit Club, which has already helped hundreds of children to lose weight and reduce their Body Mass Index (BMI).

Each child has a dedicated health trainer to help improve their physical and mental health.

They work with the child and their family or carer to help them to make healthy food choices and get more active.

The team help 90% of the children they work with to lose weight and reduce their BMI – but more than that, they help increase children's confidence, improve their mental health, and set them on track for a happier, healthier future.

Our 0-19 services are provided at dozens of different venues across Wirral and Cheshire East, so there will be support near you.

To find out more visit our website facebook/0219HVHub or call 514 0219 if you live in Wirral, or 01606 544 068 in Cheshire East.

Did you know breastfeeding your baby can help to reduce their risk of strug- gling with weight problems in childhood and adulthood too?

June is Breastfeeding Awareness Month and our Infant Feeding Team will be out and about with fantastic events for all the family, including "The Big Feed" events, a breastfeeding roadshow and a Teddy Bear's picnic.

For more details visit our website or follow us on Twitter @wirralct.

It’s been a busy few weeks here and we are still celebrating the fantastic news that we have been authorised as a Foundation Trust, meaning that you now have a much greater say in how health services are run in your local community.

With that in mind, if there’s anything you would like to ask me, or if there’s something you would like to read about in this column, please do get in touch.

Email communications@wirralct.nhs.uk

All our services are here for you and your family, and we are dedicated to providing care and support closer to home, and working together to improve your patient journey.

For more details about everything we provide in Wirral and Cheshire East visit wirralct.nhs.uk