Active Families, Active Lives (AFAL)
Active Families, Active Lives is a service for children and young people, aged 2-18 years old, in Cardiff and Vale who wish to receive support in managing their weight and health.
The team works in an empowering and nurturing way to help families work towards their own goals to improve health.
How do we support you?
Active Families, Active Lives (AFAL) works in a holistic way to understand you, your child and family’s needs. We work in a non-judgemental, empathetic and supportive manner.
After we receive your referral you will be sent a letter inviting you to contact us to confirm that you would still like support.
First appointment
- Every child, young person and family entering the AFAL service will have an initial assessment appointment.
- Before this appointment we will ask you to complete an initial assessment form. This is accessed by scanning a QR code on the appointment letter. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have difficulties in accessing this form.
- Discussing weight and health with children can be difficult, many families find the following information useful to read prior accessing our service.
- This information will be discussed at the initial appointment which helps us build a picture of your needs and how the team can offer support.
- We would also like to take this opportunity to obtain a recent weight and height.
Next steps
After this appointment, taking into consideration the needs of the family, the team will meet to discuss your case and plan the best way forward for your child and family. Some people may need to see multiple team members, whilst others may require work with one or two healthcare professionals. We offer a number of different interventions including face to face, telephone appointments and workshops.
There are several useful resources on our webpage you can access whilst you wait to meet our team. Please click on the link at the bottom of the page for information on recipe ideas, healthy snacks, portion sizes and physical activity ideas.
Meet the team
Paediatrician
Our community paediatrician is the clinical lead for the Active Families, Active Lives service. She is highly qualified in understanding your child’s development, learning and emotional wellbeing and how this can influence health. What is your favourite meal? Breakfast What is your favourite activity? Yoga
Dietitian
Dietitians are experts in nutrition and how this effects health. Our dietitian will support and assist you and your family in making informed choices to develop a helpful relationship with food and health. Our dietitian will spend time getting to know you, your child and your family in order to gain a full picture in what you are all experiencing in your day-to-day life. What is your favourite meal? Roast Lamb Dinner What is your favourite activity? Cooking and gardening
Health Psychologist
Our Health psychologist works with the whole team to provide support and advice on wellbeing. Their role involves supporting children and families in group and 1:1 setting to develop skills to help manage tricky thoughts and feelings around food and eating, to support healthy minds and bodies. What is your favourite meal? Roast chicken dinner What is your favourite activity? I like going for walks along the beach and exploring new places
Health Care Support Workers
Our Health Care support workers can offer clinic appointments to provide nutritional education, guidance with setting small realistic goals and reviewing progress. They will also contact families who have been in the service for 6 months or longer to review progress and offer any further support required.
What is your favourite meal?
Lentil bolognaise
What is your favourite activity?
Singing to old time classics and kitchen discos with my kids.
Co-ordinator
The co-ordinator will arrange appointments and be a point of contact for any questions you may have during your time with AFAL.
Favourite meal:
Homemade fish finger sandwich with a large dollop of tarte sauce
Favourite activity:
Long walks with my dog
Occupational Therapist
Our occupational therapist is unique to the AFAL service. They will complete an initial assessment with you and your child to create a picture on how your child manages daily tasks. This may include looking at your child’s motor co-ordination, sensory skills and their motivations and social factors. The assessment will involve discussions, some activities and having fun! What is your favourite meal? Mezze and Tapas. What is your favourite activity? Going for walks on the beach and in nature.
Physiotherapist
Our Physiotherapist is interested in finding out more about your child’s physical health and activity levels. They may ask questions about your child’s awareness of their body and how they feel about doing activities. All the information will provide us a clear picture of what specific activities and advice we can provide to your child to support them in becoming their healthiest and happiest selves. What is your favourite meal? Roast dinner. What is your favourite activity? Spending the day on the beach with my family.
What families have said about AFAL
Also in this section
Contact Details
- Mobile: 07812 469 935
- Email: Afal.Cav@wales.nhs.uk
Referrals
Access to the AFAL service is through referral. A healthcare professional can contact the team to request a referral form.
Self-referral is also accepted and encouraged. Please use the contact details above to request the form.
