Calling all mums and mums to be..

lettie · 07-11-2006, 13:38

Some of you may be aware that as of the 27th of November you will no longer be able to get milk tokens. The system is being replaced by the new Healthy Start system. Here is an explanation of the new system if you qualify..

1) You will qualify for Healthy Start if you are pregnant or have a child under 4 years old and.......

You or your family receive Income Support, Child Tax Credit (not Working Tax Credit) or Jobseeker's Allowance and have an annual family income of less than £14,155 or, you are pregnant and under the age of 18.

2) If you are pregnant you will get 1 voucher per week. For each baby under the age of 1 year old you will get 2 vouchers a week and for each child aged between 1 - 4 you will get 1 voucher per week. Vouchers are worth £2.80 each.

3) If you are eligable for these vouchers then you need to apply. Vouchers are not sent automatically when you receive benefits. Application leaflets (HS01) are available from www.healthystart.nhs.uk or by ringing 08701 555 455. Your midwife or health visitor will need to fill out part B of the form. If you receive milk tokens and are still eligable, these will be replaced automatically with Healthy Start vouchers.

4) You can buy fresh cow's milk, fresh fruit and vegetables and cow's milk based infant formula with Healthy Start vouchers and also get vitamin supplements from your Health Visitor..........

You cannot buy :- tinned or frozen fruit and veg or other milks and infant formula such as soya.. It has to be cow's milk based. You also cannot use your vouchers for follow-on formula.

You cannot get change from your vouchers so make sure that you spend it all.

Most food retailers will be participating in Healthy Start and many will display a green and white sticker in their windows. If your vouchers are refused by a shop which is supposed to be participating then you can call the Healthy Start Helpline for advice on 0845 607 6823..

Remember....... you cannot exchange your vouchers for fags, booze, holidays to Tenerife or clothing..

but.. do make sure that you spend the total of your voucher. If your purchases come to more than your voucher is worth you can pay the rest in cash.

Hope this helps.

shakermaker · 07-11-2006, 14:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by lettie

You cannot buy :- tinned or frozen fruit and veg or other milks and infant formula such as soya.. It has to be cow's milk based. You also cannot use your vouchers for follow-on formula.

This bit seems silly to me.
What if the child is allergic to lactose? Does this come into consideration or os it all based on finance?

lancsdave · 07-11-2006, 14:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by shakermaker

This bit seems silly to me.
What if the child is allergic to lactose? Does this come into consideration or os it all based on finance?

I think lactose intolerant milk ( soya ? ) is done by prescription.

accymel · 07-11-2006, 14:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by lancsdave

I think lactose intolerant milk ( soya ? ) is done by prescription.

Yeh it is well used to be

mrskitty · 07-11-2006, 14:39

[quote=lettie]
Remember....... you cannot exchange your vouchers for fags, booze/quote]

UNLESS....you live in Fern gore

lancsdave · 07-11-2006, 14:43

[quote=misskitty]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lettie

Remember....... you cannot exchange your vouchers for fags, booze/quote]

UNLESS....you live in Fern gore

Fern Gore isn't special, it happens all over the place

Neil · 07-11-2006, 14:47

[quote=misskitty]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lettie

Remember....... you cannot exchange your vouchers for fags, booze/quote]

UNLESS....you live in Fern gore

And that won't change just because they change to a different voucher.

accymel · 07-11-2006, 14:58

[quote=misskitty]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lettie

Remember....... you cannot exchange your vouchers for fags, booze/quote]

UNLESS....you live in Fern gore

OI!! we aint all chav's you know!!!

shakermaker · 07-11-2006, 15:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by lancsdave

I think lactose intolerant milk ( soya ? ) is done by prescription.

It is until the child is off powders at around 12 months. Which is a shame really because soya products are quite expensive stuff comparitively.
The health shops make a killing on stuff like non-dairy chocolate (not that you would give that to a baby, I'm just making a general point).
It isn't as bad as when my brother was small however as places like ASDA do stock a lot more of those products now.

mrskitty · 07-11-2006, 15:09

[quote=lancsdave]

Quote:

Originally Posted by misskitty

Fern Gore isn't special, it happens all over the place

hey watch what u say about 'Gore'-it is special,we have special everything-herbs,graffitti,and all that stuff

Actually it has a reputation but i love living here-before anyone says owt i am not the one causing the trouble

Although i shall be starting trouble when i report certain shops for abusing the milk token system

mrskitty · 07-11-2006, 15:11

[quote=accymel]

Quote:

Originally Posted by misskitty

OI!! we aint all chav's you know!!!

I never said owt about it being just chavs that do it

lancsdave · 07-11-2006, 15:19

[quote=misskitty]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lancsdave

Although i shall be starting trouble when i report certain shops for abusing the milk token system

Waste of time, nobody will take a bit of notice. How many shops these days sell legal tobacco and drink. Most of it is brought in duty free. Nobody bothers that these shops are ripping the country off.

accymel · 07-11-2006, 15:29

[quote=misskitty]

Quote:

Originally Posted by accymel

I never said owt about it being just chavs that do it

Hey im the only non-chav in da gore

lettie · 07-11-2006, 15:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by shakermaker

It is until the child is off powders at around 12 months. Which is a shame really because soya products are quite expensive stuff comparitively.
The health shops make a killing on stuff like non-dairy chocolate (not that you would give that to a baby, I'm just making a general point).
It isn't as bad as when my brother was small however as places like ASDA do stock a lot more of those products now.

Don't forget that it is not just milk, the vouchers cover fresh fruit and veg which all children above weaning age need, as do breastfeeding mothers. The reason why it only covers fresh stuff is that salts and sugars are often added to tinned stuff and frozen stuff could come covered in batter, breadcrumbs etc.

mrskitty · 07-11-2006, 15:40

[quote=accymel]

Quote:

Originally Posted by misskitty

Hey im the only non-chav in da gore

so you calling me a chav then Mel?

Il kick you in the shins with my new Nike shox (chavvy trainers to non-chav people)