NUFFIELD Health's Nuffy Bear Nursery in Cottingley has been made available to NHS and key workers at no cost to ease the strain on employees and their families.

The company is offering the service to all UK key workers with children aged 12 weeks to five years old while its fitness and wellbeing clubs remain closed.

The charity has also agreed with NHS representatives to make all its hospitals available to NHS trusts across England, Scotland and Wales to support NHS patients in its efforts against Covid-19. Alongside making its hospitals’ available to the NHS, Nuffield Health has also offered support with clinicians, support services and clinical equipment such as ventilators.

Its national children’s service manager Sam Othen said: “As the UK’s largest healthcare charity we have a huge role to play in supporting the NHS patients in our local communities across the nation.

"We are delighted to be able to support those key workers who are working so hard to keep the country running during this challenging time. We want to reassure them that their children will be well looked after."

To support families, Nuffield Health has developed a kids’ wellbeing hub, which is designed to support both children and parents during these uncertain times. Content includes a free downloadable wellbeing journal and guide for parents and young people, which supports them to take ownership of and manage their own emotional wellbeing.

Based around the four pillars of wellbeing - diet, exercise, sleep and mental health - the My Wellbeing Journal is a great resource for families to use together to track their children’s overall wellbeing, and help give them a sense of achievement.

Sammie Lund, nursery manager at Nuffield Health Cottingley, said: “We’re living through uncertain times. The Covid-19 pandemic has stretched our country and the effort, dedication and commitment of NHS staff, teachers, the emergency services and so many others is truly humbling. That’s why we are proud to offer our Nuffy Bear Day Nurseries for free to help support our essential key workers.

“On behalf of everyone at Nuffield Health, to the UK’s key workers who are doing so much to keep so many of us fit and well, we’d like to say thank you.”