It is important that you have a GP so you can get support with any physical or mental health needs as they arise, have access to prescriptions and check-ups as needed. Your Social Worker or Personal Advisor will support you to register with a GP and a dentist.
Every young person when they reach 18 should be issued with a Health Passport by their designated Nurse or their Social Worker, this gives a summary of your key health information. If you are unsure about this you can ask your Social Worker or Personal Advisor and they should be able to provide you with a copy.
The Leaving Care Service has a dedicated Well-Bering Service, we have two Well-Being Practitioners, that offer dedicated support to young people in the Leaving Care Service. Based in our building at Loxley House, the Well-Being Practitioners can offer one to one support to you if you are feeling anxious, have low mood or feel you need more dedicated mental health support. Please talk to your Personal Advisor who can support you to access this service.
Your Personal Advisor can also offer support around accessing other health services such as:
- Support with sexual health and contraception
- Support with drugs and alcohol
- Access to prescriptions
- Access to other activities to support you to manage your own health and well-being.
Know Your Own Mind
This is a new service, which enables you to have a budget to access support that you feel will support you to have better emotional and mental health. Please speak to your Personal Advisor who will be able to give you more information
Staying Active & Healthy
Your Personal Advisor will be able to offer you support around making healthy choice and healthy livi8ng.
- Free gym membership to Nottingham City Health and Leisure Centre
- Personalised budget via Know Your Own Mind
- Signposting to sports and leisure activities
- Advise and guidance on being active and the benefits of this
Your relationships
It is very important that you have meaningful, supportive relationships with people you trust. Your Personal Advisor support you to understand how to establish and maintain healthy relationships, providing practical advice and emotional support, this might include:
- Supporting you to identify who is important to you
- Reconnecting with family in a safe, supported way
- Maintaining or reconnecting with people/friendships/relationships that are important to you, including people who have cared for you in the past
- Understanding your experiences as a care experienced young person which might involve support to access your social care records
- Support you to explore your identity by offering advice and support around your religion, ethnicity, culture, gender, sexuality, disability or immigration status
- Provide additional support from our Well-Being Practitioners
- Provide additional signposting to other activities/local groups that you may find helpful.
What if I am in an unhealthy relationship and I feel scared?
You should never feel scared in a relationship or feel pressurised into having a relationship with anyone that you don’t want to. You can talk to your Personal Advisor about support that is available for you if you feel your relationship is unhealthy or you are experiencing domestic abuse.
If you are in immediate danger always call 999 for an emergency response from the police. Silent calls to the police will work if you are not safe to speak – use the Silent Solution system and call 999 and then press 55 when prompted.
Emergency Text Service: If you can’t use a voice phone, you can register with the police text service - text REGISTER to 999. You will get a text which tells you what to do next. Do this when it is safe so you can text when you are in danger. Find out more.
Ask for ANI: If you are experiencing domestic abuse and need immediate help, ask for ‘ANI’ in a participating pharmacy. ‘ANI’ stands for Action Needed Immediately but also phonetically sounds like the name Annie. If a pharmacy has the ‘Ask for ANI’ logo on display, it means they’re ready to help. They will offer you a private space, provide a phone and ask if you need support from the police or other domestic abuse support services.
Safe lives is a national organisation supporting victims of domestic abuse. For more information visit: www.safelives.org.uk
Juno Women’s Aid, Nottingham & Nottinghamshire: work with women, children, and teens who have been affected by domestic abuse in Ashfield, Broxtowe, Gedling, Nottingham City, and Rushcliffe. The service offers Crisis support and drop ins, under 18’s specialist support, refuge accommodation, survivor advocacy support services, stalking advisory service, family court support, pet foster project. The service has a Helpline open 24/7 (T) 08088000340 or visit the website at https://junowomensaid.org.uk
Women’s Aid Integrated Services is a charity working with women, children and teens who have been affected by domestic abuse. They can offer crisis support, drop in, Freedom programme (12-week healthy relationship programme) and refuge accommodation. 24-hour Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Freephone Domestic and Sexual Violence Helpline, with specialist trained female support workers: Telephone 0808 800 0340 (24-hour helpline) or visit WAIS Website
Refuge is a national charity supporting women and children rebuild their lives and overcome many different forms of violence and abuse; for example domestic violence, sexual violence, so-called ‘honour’-based violence, human trafficking and modern slavery, and female genital mutilation. They provide a huge range of support all of which can be found on Refuge Website
Nottinghamshire Sexual Violence Support Services is available to survivors of all genders, aged 13+, and offers many services in addition to face-to-face counselling, with male and female counsellors, and Counselling Line services. Go to NottsSVSS Website
Mojatu Foundation is a Nottingham City based organisation leading in the global campaign to end female genital mutilation (FGM). They also work with partners in organising local, regional and international community events to reduce isolation and enhance social cohesion. Go to Mojatu Website
Karma Nirvana is a charity who supports victims of honour-based abuse and forced marriage. You can contact them by going to their website Karma Nirvana Website
Equation Nottingham: is a Nottingham-based specialist charity that works with the whole community to reduce the impact of domestic abuse, sexual violence and gender inequality.
What If I need support with drugs and/or alcohol?
Please talk to your Personal Advisor if you need support with drugs/alcohol use. Your Personal Advisor can refer you or signpost you to the right support.
Nottingham Recovery Network provides support, advice and treatment to people in Nottingham City re drugs and alcohol. Visit: Nottingham Recovery Network Website
CGL Journey provides a free and confidential drug and alcohol service for young people up to the age of 19. Visit CGL Website or contact them for more information on tel: 0115 948 4314; email: habib.akhtar@cgl.org.uk
Further Resources
Samaritans Phoneline open 24/7 call for free on 116 123. (E) email jo@samaritans.org
Turn2me: online support groups: anxiety, suicidal thoughts & feelings, depression, stress management and general mental health issues. Visit: Turn2me Website
HOPELineUK: national confidential support service for any young people (under 35) at risk of suicide, or anyone worried about a young person at risk of suicide. Helpline: 10am-10pm Monday-Friday, Weekends 2pm-10pm, and Bank Holidays 2pm-5pm. (T) 0800 068 41 41 SMS: 07786 209697 (E): pat@papyrus-uk.org
NHS Choices Moodzone: Visit the website if you are experiencing stress, anxiety or depression. It offers practical advice, interactive tools, videos and audio guides to help you feel mentally and emotionally better. Visit: Moodzone Website
Framework Moving Forward provides free and confidential housing related support, in Nottingham City, to people experiencing mental health issues. Visit: Moving Forward Website
Kooth is a confidential service offering free counselling, advice and support on-line for young people aged up to 25. Available: Monday to Friday from 12 noon until 10pm each night, and weekends from 6pm to 10pm. Visit Kooth Website
Base 51 is a charity set up in the heart of Nottingham to support a diverse range of young people, where everybody is welcome aged 11-25.
Through the project “Feeling Our Way”, they provide practical support and activities for young people leaving care. They are there to help you feel healthier, happier and positive about your future.
To find out more or get advice contact Base51 on 0115 9525040 or go to the Base 51 webpage for more information.
