Bristol Network for Equality in Early Years Health & Wellbeing

The Bristol Network for Equality in Early Years Health and Wellbeing Health Integration Team (BoNEE HIT) is a team of academics, public health specialists, parent and community groups representatives. It aims to tackle the health inequalities that have a profound and lifelong impact on the health and wellbeing of children.

Deprivation in Bristol is higher than average for England, with nearly 20,000 children living in poverty. Around one in 13 children in Bristol have a chronic or potentially disabling condition which impacts on their daily lives. With a rising child population, Bristol needs a local evidence base along with staff and services that recognise and respond to inequalities in children's health.

We will work across three priority areas, covering antenatal to children aged seven, which will be covered by working groups within the team:

• Oral health
• Early nutrition
• Social and emotional wellbeing

We are a team of researchers, doctors, nurses, children's centre staff, community groups and parents who are interested in keeping young children healthy. In our work we want to get professionals, parents and researchers to learn from each other, so that we develop and provide the best advice and services.

The early years (from pregnancy to age 7) are very important for lifelong health. This is a time of growth and development, when bones, bodies and minds are at their most flexible and changeable. Small differences in these early years can make big differences to our health, so we need to make sure every child has the best start.