Health Trainers Take the Lead in Launching New Healthy Families Sessions in York

Let's be honest, family life can sometimes feel like you're trying to herd cats while juggling flaming torches. Between school runs, work, after-school clubs, and just the general chaos of life, thinking about creating a perfectly 'healthy' lifestyle can feel like just another thing on a massive to-do list. But what if getting a bit healthier wasn't about massive, stressful changes? What if it was about small, simple steps that actually fit into your life? That’s the idea behind a brand-new, completely free service for families in York, which launched on 23 Feb 2026. The City of York Council’s Health Trainer service has just rolled out the Healthy Families Service, a friendly and welcoming way to help boost everyone’s physical and emotional wellbeing without any of the pressure.

What's happening?

At the front of this new initiative are two friendly faces, Health Trainers named Katie and Donna. Their entire job is to provide support for the whole family, helping to make those little lifestyle tweaks that add up to a big difference over time. It’s not about strict diets or gruelling exercise regimes. It’s about finding what works for your unique family. This is a voluntary, family-led programme, which basically means you’re in the driver's seat. It's designed to fit around real life, not the other way around. Families can sign up for up to six free sessions, where the brilliant health trainers can help with all sorts of things that contribute to a family's overall health.

The support offered is super practical. Think of it as having a helpful guide to navigate some of life's common challenges. The sessions are tailored to what each family needs, focusing on building positive habits that stick. It's about getting guidance and encouragement without feeling lectured. This service aims to provide the best possible start for children by focusing on the whole family unit.

During the sessions, the team can help with things like:

• Finding simple, budget-friendly ways to eat a bit healthier.

• Creating calming bedtime routines to help everyone get better sleep.

• Discovering fun ways to move more as a family that don’t feel like a chore.

• Building up emotional wellbeing and finding ways to handle daily worries.

• Setting small, realistic goals that actually work for you.

• Gently changing old habits that might be holding you back.

• And, most importantly, celebrating all the wins, no matter how small!

The team of health trainers is particularly good at seeing what’s already going well and helping families build on those strengths. It’s a step-by-step approach that feels manageable and positive, focusing on genuine support and encouragement for all families in York.

Making it work for your family

One of the best things about the Healthy Families service is how flexible it is. There’s no one-size-fits-all formula here. The support is shaped entirely around what feels right and comfortable for each individual family. Forget stuffy offices or formal appointments. The health trainers can meet wherever suits you best, making the whole process far more accessible and relaxed.

Where can these sessions happen?

• In the comfort of your own home

• At your child's school

• Online, via a video call

• At a local community centre or library

• Or even out in the fresh air at your local park

And when they say it's for the whole family, they really mean it. Children, grandparents, and even the family dog are welcome to join in. The idea is to create a positive environment for everyone, recognising that a healthy family is a team effort. This approach is all about removing barriers and making it as easy as possible for families to get the support they need for their wellbeing. It’s a key part of the City of York Council's commitment to improving community health. You might even spot a promotional postcard around town explaining how the service works.

Why this is happening now

This new service couldn't have come at a better time. Life has thrown a lot at families recently, and the impact on both physical and emotional health is clear. The people behind the Healthy Families service understand these modern pressures. Leaders at the City of York Council have spoken about why this kind of accessible support is so important right now, especially for children.

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.

This really gets to the heart of the matter. It’s about making good health achievable for everyone, not just a select few. The service acknowledges the link between physical health, mental health, and the support offered by Adult Social Care, showing a joined-up approach. The Executive Member for health has put a spotlight on the importance of this programme.

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.”

The comments from the Director of Public Health highlight some very real issues. Many kids and teenagers are dealing with disrupted routines from the past few years, and the constant pressure of digital life isn't helping. This service is a direct response, designed to help families tackle these challenges head-on and build positive habits together. It is a fantastic example of a proactive health initiative.

How to get involved

Getting started with the Healthy Families service is really straightforward. Families can refer themselves directly, so there’s no need to wait for a healthcare professional to do it, although that’s also an option. If you think your family could benefit from some friendly support and encouragement to boost your wellbeing, getting in touch is the first step. The health trainers, Katie and Donna, are ready to help families in York get started on their journey. It's an opportunity to improve family health in a way that feels supportive and positive.

Here’s how you can reach out:

• Website: www.york.gov.uk/HealthyFamilies

• Text: 07789 946 384

• Call: 01904 553377

• Email: healthtrainers@york.gov.uk

This free service is a fantastic resource for any family in York looking to make small, positive changes for their long-term physical and emotional wellbeing. It’s all about providing the right support, at the right time, in the right place.