Families from across Liverpool celebrated the positive changes they have made to their health and wellbeing when England’s Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Jeanelle de Gruchy, visited the city.
As part of her visit, Dr de Gruchy attended a Liv Life Liverpool session at Our Lady Immaculate Primary School, where children and families who had completed the Healthy Families programme shared their experiences and showcased the healthier habits they had developed together.
The visit was organised following Dr de Gruchy’s request to see a local service in action, meet the families who had benefited from it and hear how partners across the city are working together to support healthier communities.
Liv Life Liverpool has been helping residents make lasting changes through practical, non-judgemental support that puts families at the heart of improving their health. Rather than focusing solely on weight, the service helps people build confidence, develop healthier relationships with food, become more active and create positive habits that fit into everyday family life.
The Healthy Families programme works with children, parents, siblings and carers, recognising that lasting change happens when the whole family is involved. Delivered in partnership with Full of Beans, the six-week programme gives families the knowledge, skills and confidence to prepare healthier meals, reduce sugar intake, try new foods, become more physically active and enjoy spending time together.
One parent who completed the programme said: “It was lovely to do something altogether. We don’t always get that time at home, so this felt really special. My girls can be a bit fussy, so seeing them try new things was amazing. They surprised themselves. They both tried passionfruit, avocado, beetroot and beansprouts. Foods I usually wouldn’t buy because I thought they would go to waste. We’ve already started using some of the recipes at home. It’s made me feel more confident about feeding the family well without spending a fortune.”
An adult participant shared: “Liv Life Liverpool really keeps you focused on making healthier choices. It helps with eating better and exercising, keeps you motivated and gives you encouragement. Even if things don’t always go to plan, everyone is supportive and non-judgemental. They’ve shown me healthy options that work for my lifestyle.”
Dr Jeanelle de Gruchy, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, said:
“It was a privilege to visit Our Lady Immaculate Primary School in Everton to see how the Healthy Families programme is supporting families in Liverpool to develop healthier habits. Building good habits in childhood sets children up for life, and allows families to focus on what matters most to them. The programme recognises the importance of a whole family approach in supporting each and every child to learn to enjoy healthy food and physical activity and enable families to make long term changes in their lives.
“The work being done between Liv Life Liverpool, Liverpool City Council, schools and other settings, and local communities is a great example of what can be achieved through strong partnerships and local relationships.”
Councillor Harry Doyle, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture at Liverpool City Council, said:
“It is inspiring to see families sharing the positive changes they have made through Liv Life Liverpool. The service is helping people build healthier habits, grow in confidence and make changes that will benefit them for years to come. We’re proud to be supporting communities across Liverpool to lead healthier, happier lives.”
Professor Matthew Ashton, Director of Public Health for Liverpool City Council, said:
“We know that maintaining a healthy weight is influenced by many different factors, which is why Liv Life Liverpool takes an emotionally informed, whole-family approach. The service has been designed with our communities to provide practical, compassionate support that helps people make sustainable changes for the long term. It was a great opportunity to show the Deputy Chief Medical Officer how Liverpool is bringing together schools, community organisations and health partners to tackle health inequalities and improve outcomes for residents.”
Launched in January 2025, Liv Life Liverpool provides free support for children, families, adults and expectant parents through community venues, schools and online sessions across the city. Developed alongside local communities and partner organisations, the service forms part of Liverpool’s wider commitment to improving health and reducing inequalities by helping residents build healthier, happier lives.
Residents can access support through self-referral or by speaking to a healthcare professional. Free programmes are available for adults, families, and pregnant women, alongside the Best You app, which offers personalised advice, goal setting and ongoing support. To find out more, visit www.livlifeliverpool.org, text LIVLIFE to 66777, or call 0800 488 0551.
