A TEIGNBRIDGE library will be offering free vitamins thanks to a new partnership.

The pilot scheme between Libraries Unlimited and Devon County Council will offer free Healthy Start vitamins to eligible families at three Devon libraries, including Teignmouth.

The scheme aims to make the vitamins available to Devon residents via libraries to increase accessibility and uptake.

As of April 2025, more than 2,500 people in Devon received Healthy Start.

However, it is estimated that up to 2,000 additional eligible families and individuals are not yet signed up.

Families and individuals may be eligible for free Healthy Start vitamins if they are more than ten weeks pregnant or have a child under four-years-old, and meet income or benefit criteria.

Applications can be made online, by phone, or email.

Find out more about Healthy Start: https://www.healthystart.nhs.uk/how-to-apply/

Alex Kittow, CEO at Libraries Unlimited, shared: ‘Libraries are more than just books.

‘Our libraries are trusted community hubs, making them ideal locations to support parents and early years’ development.

‘We are pleased to be working with Devon County Council to make Healthy Start more accessible and support our communities.

‘With the extremely low free vitamin scheme uptake in Devon, we are keen to help close the gap between eligibility and participation in Healthy Start.’

Healthy Start is a national NHS-led initiative supporting eligible pregnant women, parents, and families with children under four-years-old

The programme offers financial support towards the cost of fruit, vegetables, pulses, cows’ milk, and infant formula, as well as free vitamins, which help to meet recommended vitamin intake when it is a challenge from diet alone.