We will support you to stay healthy and live a healthy lifestyle. As soon as you turn 18, you will be provided with a health passport.
This will contain a summary of your:
- health assessments
- health history
- how you can access relevant health services
- your health records.
GPs
We will help you to register with a GP in your area.
As a care leaver you will not be expected to pay for NHS prescriptions.
If you are under 19 and in full-time education, you will receive all standard healthcare, dental care, free prescription costs and sight tests covered by the NHS.
If you are 19 years old and on a low-income (less than £16,000 per year), you may apply for the NHS Low Income Scheme. You will be expected to complete the HC1 form, a claim for help with your healthcare costs. Your social worker will support you with completing the form.
If you are Disabled, pregnant, or a parent you may be eligible for free prescriptions.
If you are not eligible for the low-income scheme, or are over 19, a prescription prepayment certificate (PPC) will be purchased for you should you need it.
Find out more information about the free prescription service.
Dentist
We will help you to register with a local dentist.
You may be entitled to free or discounted dental care. Find more information on dental cost and available treatments.
Your social worker will help you to explore these options with you.
Optician
You may be entitled to free or discounted optician care.
Find more information on free NHS eye test and optical vouchers.
We will provide you with financial contribution for prescription glasses and contact lenses, if not already covered by the NHS. This may be subject to further agreement by the Head of Service.
Your social worker will help you to explore these options with you.
Sexual health services
Sexual health services are free and available to everyone, regardless of:
- sex
- age
- ethnic origin
- and sexual orientation.
You can find more information HERE.
You can also speak to one of our CLA nurses who will provide you with information.
Wellbeing services
You are important to us and we want you to feel happy, safe and well.
We will provide support and guidance so you can:
- access gym and leisure facilities at reduced or supplement rates. Your social worker will talk to you about the options available to you
- move from CAMHS to Adult Mental Health Services if required
- access counselling services that are available locally.
If you are a young person expecting to become a parent, we will offer support and advice as well as support from specialist services.
If you are a young parent, we will take an interest in your children and support you to do the best for them. We will help you arrange childcare, if this is what you want.
We will provide you with financial contribution if you are in full-time education up to the age of 24 if not covered by the NHS. This may be subject to further agreement by the head of service.
Refer you to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) if you are aged 16-17 years. And to move from CAMHS to Adult Mental Health services as you reach 18 years. You can ask your GP to make a referral to Adult Mental Health services if you are 18 years and above
Health Passport: after your final looked after Child Health Assessment, you will receive a final health care summary and health plan letter from the Looked After Children Nurse. This is called a Health Passport and will include a summary of your health assessments, health history and how you can access relevant health services and your health records.
The CLA nurse will be available to provide advice and support you with any health-related queries.