Your health, wellbeing and relationships as a care leaver

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Looking after your health helps you stay well and happy. This includes your physical health, mental health and the relationships you have.

Make sure you are registered with a GP, dentist and optician. Your PA can help you register.

Before you turn 18, you will receive your health history. This shows your immunisations and past health issues. If you don’t have it, ask your PA. Keep it safe.

You can see your records using the NHS App. Your PA can support you with appointments, especially if you have extra needs.

If you are struggling with your health or wellbeing, there are services that can help.

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Seeing a GP and pre-paid prescriptions

Pharmacists can help with minor illnesses or tell you if you need to see a GP.

How pharmacies can help - NHS

If you feel unwell or need mental health support, contact your GP.

If you’re not registered, find a local GP on the NHS website. You should not be refused if you don’t have ID or proof of address.

Ask your PA if you need help.

Pre-paid prescriptions

If you need regular prescriptions, you may get a free pre-paid prescription certificate if you are:

Speak to your PA to apply.

Dentist and opticians

Dentist

Have regular check-ups. NHS spaces may be limited, so search for an NHS dentist near you.

Opticians

Have your eyes tested every 2 years.

If you’re 16–18 and in full time education, you may get a free NHS eye test.

If not, you can ask your PA for up to £60 every 2 years toward glasses.

Support with your mental health

If you’re struggling, talk to someone you trust — a friend, GP or PA.

Mindworks Surrey - Call the Mindworks crisis line on 0800 915 4644 (open 24/7).

Safe Havens - out-of-hours support 365 days a year in:

Samaritans - 116 123 (any time)

YoungMinds Textline - free 24/7 text messaging support. Text YM to 85258.

Refugee Council – My View – therapy for asylum‑experienced young people

Your sexual health

It can feel awkward to talk about sexual health, but it’s important to look after yourself and any partners you have.

Sexual health services are free and confidential. They will not share your details unless there is a safeguarding concern.

Where to get help

More information:

Your relationships

Healthy relationships help you feel safe and supported.

If you feel lonely talk to your PA.

You can also look at the Family Information Service to find local groups and clubs you can join. Surrey Youth Voice also runs young people's groups where you can meet others with similar experiences.

The Care Leavers’ Service can help with travel costs to see important people (up to 3 times a year).

If a relationship feels unsafe, ask for help. Learn more from:

Childline – Healthy and unhealthy relationships

Support for problems with drugs and alcohol

If you’re worried about drugs or alcohol, or know someone else who is, there is support.

You can also find more help on Healthy Surrey - Drugs and alcohol.
Remember, you can always talk to your GP, who may offer treatment or refer you to a local service.

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Disclaimer: as the translations linked above are provided by Google Translate, Surrey County Council cannot be held responsible for their accuracy.

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