Health Visitors are qualified nurses with further specialised training and are experienced in child health, health promotion and health education. Our role is to help people stay healthy and avoid illness. We are here to listen to you and to help, advise and support you in all sorts of situations. We work with all age groups and are here for everyone: families with young children, couples, single people, young people and the elderly.

Health Visitors are part of the NHS community health services and we work closely with G.Ps, Practice Nurses, District Nurses, School Health Nurses, Midwives, Social Workers and School Teachers. In Harrow every G.P.'s practice has a named Health Visitor. We are the most accessible health professionals in the community. You can get access to your Health Visitor through your G.P. surgery or health clinic.

Every family with children under five years has a named health visitor. We can advise parents on their child's:

• growth and development
• immunisation programmes
• safety in and outside the home common illnesses
• healthy eating
• everyday difficulties e.g. teething, sleeping, feeding, temper tantrums where to find childminders, toddler groups, playgroups, day nurseries offer continuing support
• appropriate child care if you are returning to work
• put you in touch with other sources of help

Health Visitors can also offer advice about:

• family planning
• preparation for pregnancy adjusting to parenthood
• how and where to apply for D.S.S. benefits
• up to date information on prevention of illness, e.g. heart disease, cancers
• drink and drug problems
• effects of unemployment
• depression
• preparation for retirement
• bereavement
• information about HIV and AIDS
• women's health e.g. menopause, breast screening
• homelessness
• health promotion groups e.g. smoking cessation groups, keep-fit classes

Health Visitors are here to help anyone, you do not need an appointment; just phone and we will visit you at home if you wish. We are part of a health care team in the community; if we are unable to help you ourselves we will know how and where to find the help you need.