SPLASH – Somerset Paediatric Lifestyle Activity and Skills for Self Help

SPLASH (Somerset Paediatric Lifestyle Activity and Skills for self Help) is a children’s weight management service in Somerset for children aged 5 and below. We are a team of professionals working with your child and family to help you learn new skills, build confidence and understand more about food and well being. The team is made up of a Doctor, a Dietitian, a Clinical Psychologist and a Family Support Worker.

At SPLASH we help families work towards their own goals that they think are important.

We offer your child and any family members involved with your child’s care the following:

• a home or virtual meeting to discuss what SPLASH is and to get to know your child and family

• an appointment with a Doctor, Dietitian, and Clinical Psychologist to meet you all, collect information and take measurements of your child and any blood tests that are needed. We will listen to any concerns you have about your child.

We will then develop a personalised plan depending on your child and family’s individual needs and goals. This may include 1:1 dietetic support or/and 1:1 psychology support. We offer home, hospital, community and virtual appointments to suit your family.

We cover topics such as making healthy choices, understanding what foods to eat and how much, recipe ideas, being active through play, learning about food and emotions, making changes and developing routines.

We understand that weight and health in children can be an emotional topic to discuss and we aim to provide a supportive and non-judgemental experience. Our role is to consider each family’s individual circumstances, needs and strengths.

We accept referrals from you as the parent/carer or by your GP, Health visitor or any health professional who is involved with your child’s care. Please contact us to discuss further by telephone 01278 447407 or email splash@somersetft.nhs.uk