Health Visitors

hv1

 

Health Visitors are part of your wider primary healthcare team and are provided by Dorset Healthcare University Foundation Trust, one of our NHS partners.

They are registered nurses or midwives with additional training in community public health, supporting children, families, and communities to stay healthy and well.

 

Who is the service for?

Health Visitors provide support for:

  • Children aged 0–5 years and their families

  • Parents and carers, including during pregnancy and early parenthood

  • Families who may need additional support, based on individual needs

 

The service aims to promote good health, reduce health inequalities, and offer early help when concerns arise.

 

How Health Visitors can help

They can offer support and advice around:

  • Infant feeding and nutrition

  • Child development and behaviour

  • Emotional wellbeing and parental mental health

  • Sleep, routines, and safety

  • Immunisations and child health checks

 

Support is provided as part of a universal NHS service, with additional input where families need it.

 

How to contact Health Visitors

Health Visitors can usually be contacted directly through Dorset Healthcare.
Services may include:

  • Telephone support

  • Text messaging services

  • Community drop-in sessions

 

Contact details, opening times, and locations may change, so we recommend checking the latest information using the link below.

 

Further information

Page last reviewed: 28 January 2026
Page created: 28 January 2026