Visiting Zest Babies and Toddler group

Healthwatch Sheffield gathers people’s views on health and social care in Sheffield and shares them with decision makers, to inform improvements. 

We've written about a recent visit to a community group below. There is a printable version at the bottom of this page if you would prefer.

Our visit

On 5 March 2026, we were invited to Zest’s weekly babies and toddler group. As it was also World Book Day, we got to see some fantastic costumes from the little ones including two ‘Batmans’ (or should that be ‘Batmen’?) as well as a great range of toys and activities to get stuck into. 

We managed to hear from some of the parents who attended that day. They told us some of their recent experiences of healthcare, particularly for parents and children, in the Sheffield area. We also gave out information and advice, as well as an up-to-date list of dentists currently accepting NHS patients. 

What is good about health and social care services you've used? 

• Parents and caregivers generally reported a good offer of support and activities in the local area catered for theirs and their children’s needs.
• The Zest Babies and Toddler group was a particular highlight of some parents’ weeks. They described it as a social space where they and their children can connect and play, reducing risk of isolation.
• Parents felt they had been able to access the services they needed during and after pregnancy, via GP surgeries, the Children’s Hospital and health visitors. 

What is bad about the health and social care services you have used? 

• Accessing appropriate foreign travel vaccinations for children was proving difficult, with private providers sometimes not offering the full range of vaccinations required for certain countries, and GP surgeries not supporting beyond signposting.
• Communications between GP practices and local hospitals with hospitals across the country providing specialist care were described as poor, resulting in the parent taking on an overwhelming administrative load as the ‘middleman’.
• Some parents did not have access to NHS dentistry. Some had opted to go private out of necessity, whereas others remained without any dental care. 

We will be sharing this feedback with relevant decision-makers that can help improve services. We would like to say a huge thank you to Zest and everyone who shared their feedback with us.