Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the leading causes of ill health worldwide, but many of its risk factors begin in the earliest years of life and are preventable. Health visitors are uniquely placed to support families during this important period through early intervention, health promotion and reducing health inequalities. A key focus is addressing the SNAP risk factors for CVD: Smoking, Nutrition, Alcohol and Physical inactivity, helping families to build healthy habits from the earliest years.

Funded by The Burdett Trust for Nursing, this project strengthened the skills of health visitors as healthcare leaders in prevention within the early years, enhancing their ability to support families in reducing the risk of CVD. Through the development of an evidence-based hybrid/ online learning programme, informed by the latest research and insights from families and practitioners, the project was underpinned by the Family Partnership Model's (FPM) strengths-based approach. The training equips health visitors with the knowledge, skills and confidence to build collaborative relationships with families, support positive behaviour change, and improve long-term health outcomes for children and families (and these FPM skills extend beyond the CVD remit and can be used across health visiting practice).