Health and wellbeing
Looking after your health is important. We are here to help you stay healthy, happy and safe.
Your personal advisor can help you find the right support whenever you need it.
In an emergency
- if someone's life is in danger, call 999.
- if you are having a mental health crisis, call 111 and choose option 2 to connect with the local NHS mental health crisis team
Named nurse
While you are in care and until you turn 18, you will have a named nurse.
Your named nurse can:
- complete your yearly health check
- help you make a health plan
- visit you at home
- give you advice about your health
- help you find other health services
They can support you with:
- healthy growth and development
- emotional wellbeing
- dental care
- eye and hearing checks
- vaccinations
- smoking, drugs and alcohol
- relationships and sexual health
After you turn 18, they can still give you advice and help you find the right services.
Health passport
When you turn 16 and 18, you will receive a health passport.
It includes:
- your NHS number
- your vaccination record
- useful health information
Dental and eye care
As a care leaver, you can get free:
- NHS dental care
- eye tests
- NHS prescriptions
This support is available until your 25th birthday.
Mental health and wellbeing support
Everyone needs support sometimes, and it's okay to ask for help.
We can help you:
- get support from mental health services
- make referrals
- book GP appointments
- go to appointments with you if you would like
- create a safety plan if you are struggling
- support you at hospital or crisis appointments
You can also take part in free Mental Health First Aid training through the Niall Stringer Foundation if you are aged 16 or over. Speak to your personal advisor if you would like to join.
Useful links
- SET CAMHS can support if you are in crisis or need home treatment
- if you are a young person under the age of 18, you can get help with your mental health and wellbeing
- if you are over the age of 18, you can get help with your mental health
- Kooth is a free, safe, and anonymous online mental health and wellbeing service available to young people in Southend aged 11 to 25
Drugs, alcohol and smoking
If you are worried about drugs, alcohol or smoking, we can help.
We can support you to:
- find addiction support services
- access treatment programmes
- find supported housing if needed
- get help to stop smoking.
Speak to your personal advisor if you would like support. There is support services available in Southend.
Physical health and wellbeing
We want to help you stay active and enjoy healthy activities.
We can help you:
- find sports clubs and activities
- join local community groups
- access discounts at local gyms and leisure centres
We also offer:
- football sessions for all abilities
- an annual sports day for care leavers
- a yearly Staff vs care leavers football match
At the leaving care home you can also:
- use the shower and washing facilities
- get clean towels and wash kits
- access free toiletries and sanitary products
Sexual Health
Looking after your sexual health is an important part of staying healthy.
We can help you:
- find sexual health services
- get advice about relationships
- access contraception
- protect yourself from sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Brook Southend offers free confidential advice and treatment.
If you have any questions about your health or wellbeing, speak to your personal advisor. They will help you find the support that is right for you.