Starting Solids Workshops
A universal offer of support for Shetland families
In Shetland, the introduction of Starting Solids workshops as a standard offer to all families marks a significant shift in how early years support is delivered. Led by NHS Shetland’s Health Improvement Team through the HENRY programme, these workshops aim to provide high-quality, evidence-based guidance on introducing solid foods to babies—without relying on families to seek help or referrals.
Historically, additional support to standard Health Visiting advice around weaning and starting solids was often accessed reactively, with families needing to identify a concern or request advice. The new approach recognises that every family benefits from clear, consistent information and reassurance during this important developmental stage. By offering workshops universally, Shetland is helping to provide timely support, normalise the need, reduce stigma, and promote confident, informed parenting.
The Starting Solids workshops are designed to be practical and inclusive. They cover key topics such as recognising when a baby is ready for solids, choosing appropriate first foods, understanding hunger and fullness cues, and making mealtimes enjoyable. Delivered in a relaxed group setting, the sessions also provide opportunities for parents to share experiences and build peer support networks.
Importantly, the workshops are now offered as a standard part of early years support, with health visitors promoting the workshops directly with families and general media promotion by Health Improvement, making the sessions open to all and not just the families who ask for help. This proactive model ensures that all parents and carers—regardless of background or confidence level—have access to trusted advice at the right time. It also helps prevent misinformation and anxiety around feeding, which can be common during the transition to solids.
The workshops are part of a wider suite of HENRY sessions available in Shetland, including topics like fussy eating, healthy teeth, and eating well on a budget. Together, these resources reflect a whole-family approach to health and wellbeing, supporting parents to make informed choices and build positive habits from the start.
Feedback from families has been overwhelmingly positive, with many reporting increased confidence and reduced stress around feeding. All those who are part of the child’s care are welcome, and many grandparents have joined in the group session to update their knowledge and skills too. The group format also helps reduce isolation, particularly for first-time parents or those without extended family nearby.
By embedding Starting Solids workshops into routine early years support, NHS Shetland is demonstrating a commitment to prevention, inclusion, and empowerment. This approach aligns with national priorities around early intervention and supports the wider goal of improving outcomes for children and families across Shetland. It is important that services such as Health Visiting are given the time and resources to provide prevention and early intervention support effectively, the value of which has been proven in this model.
Contribution to the Shetland Partnership
- People: Supporting parents with confidence, knowledge, and practical skills to give their babies a healthy start.
- Participation: Involving families in shaping sessions through feedback and adapting to their needs.
- Place: Strengthening community-based support by offering accessible workshops across Shetland.
- Money: Helping families save on food costs through practical, affordable cooking skills.