Care leavers local offer - your health and wellbeing
We can help support your health and wellbeing when you leave care.
![health wellbeing your health and wellbeing icon](https://stockton.gov.uk/image/4359/health-wellbeing/standard.png?m=1695398358280)
We want you to be happy and as healthy as possible and we know this can be challenging when you are living independently. We can help you look after yourself in many ways.
Support with health appointments
It is important you have access to:
- a GP
- a dentist
- an optician
If you are not registered with any of these services, your Personal Adviser can help you do this.
You may also need to register again, if you have moved address. Speak with your Personal Adviser if you need support.
Support with health care including prescriptions and treatment
If you are in full time education up until you are 19 years old, you are entitled to free:
- NHS prescriptions
- NHS dental treatment
- NHS eyesight tests
- NHS wigs and fabric supports
You may also be able to get help with:
- vouchers towards the cost of glasses or contact lenses
- vouchers towards the cost of repair or replacement glasses or contact lenses
- assistance with travel costs for NHS treatments
If you are not in full time education or aged 19 years or above, you may also be entitled to support. Speak with your Personal Adviser to find out more.
Health passport
If you're an eligible, relevant or former relevant young person, your social worker will receive a copy of your Health Passport from our partners in health. This contains key information from your childhood about things like immunisations and current health needs. You should also receive a copy of this document which you should keep safe. It can be used to attend specific appointments. If you don't have this, or if you're not sure, please tell your Personal Adviser. If you're a qualifying young person, please speak to your Personal Adviser or a Duty Personal Adviser on 01642 527860 or lookedafterchildrenadmin@stockton.gov.uk and they will help you with this.
Mental health
Good mental health is important at every stage in life, from childhood and adolescence through to adulthood. Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being and it affects how we think, feel and act. You can speak to your Personal Adviser about how you are feeling or anything you might need help with. We are here for you and want to support you.
We also have a Therapeutic Support Team who can offer a more specialist service, and your Personal Adviser can support you to access the service.
Sexual health
Positive sexual health is a key factor in your physical and emotional health. Specific support and advice can sometimes be needed in different areas such as:
- contraception
- sexually transmitted infections
- planning to become pregnant or pregnancy
Your Personal Adviser can give you information about sexual health clinic or support you to attend appointments.
Drug and alcohol support
If you feel that you have an issue with substances or alcohol, then there are several services who can help and support you. Your Personal Adviser can give you information about drug and alcohol services or support you to attend appointments.