Caring for a baby or young child can bring extra costs, especially at a time when you may already be managing other pressures.

The NHS Healthy Start scheme is designed to help families access essential items and support a healthy start for their children — from pregnancy through early childhood.

At Basch Helps, we want to help make sure families know what support is available and how to access it in a simple, clear way.

What is Healthy Start?

Healthy Start is an NHS scheme that provides financial support to help families buy healthy food and vitamins.

If you’re eligible, you receive a prepaid Healthy Start card which can be used to buy:

• Milk
• Infant formula
• Fresh, frozen, or tinned fruit and vegetables
• Pulses (such as beans and lentils)

You can also access free vitamins to support both parent and baby health.

How Healthy Start Helps Parents

The scheme is designed to ease some of the pressure that comes with early parenthood by:

• Supporting access to nutritious food
• Helping families maintain a balanced diet
• Providing financial relief on everyday essentials
• Supporting healthy development for babies and young children

For many families, it can make a meaningful difference week to week.

Who Is Eligible?

You may qualify for Healthy Start if:

• You are pregnant, or
• You have a child under 4 years old, and
• You receive certain benefits (such as Universal Credit or Income Support)

You may also qualify if:

• You are under 18 and pregnant, even if you’re not claiming benefits

👉 If you’re unsure, it’s always worth checking — eligibility can change depending on your circumstances.

What Support Is Available?

Weekly Payments

If eligible, you will receive weekly payments added to your Healthy Start card to spend on food and essentials.

Healthy Start Card

• A prepaid card used like a debit card
• Accepted in many supermarkets and local shops

Free Vitamins

You may also be entitled to:

• Vitamins during pregnancy
• Vitamin drops for babies and young children

How Basch Helps Connects with This Support

At Basch Helps, we often work with families who may also be eligible for Healthy Start.

We can:

• Help raise awareness of the scheme
• Encourage families to apply if they qualify
• Support alongside Healthy Start through practical services like AngelBox

Together, this helps ensure families receive both immediate and longer‑term support.