Care leavers

3. Your health and wellbeing

Your health and wellbeing is of paramount importance to us and we are here to help you access health services like doctors, dentists and opticians.

We can also advise you about accessing support around your emotional health, relationships, sexual education and screening, and drug misuse service (if required).

We also want to help you access the leisure facilities in the borough and being a part of Get Oldham Active.

Yearly health assessment

If you are 16 or 17 and still looked after, you will have a yearly health assessment up to the age of 18, alongside an annual optician appointment. 

Your social worker will support you with the arrangements of your yearly health assessment.

Help with health costs

You can get free prescriptions, glasses and dental treatment until the age of 18.

Post 18 you need to claim for an exemption, these include:

  • Prescription prepayment certificate (PPC)
  • Tax Credit Certificate
  • Maternity Exemption Certificate
  • Medical Exemption Certificate
  • Health Credit Certificates (HC2 / HC3)

Information on if you are eligible and how to apply can be found on the NHS website: 

Health queries

If you're worried about an urgent medical concern you can call 111 and speak to a fully trained NHS advisor.

For less urgent health needs, contact your GP or local pharmacist.

Call 999 in a medical emergency. This is when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk.

CATCH – Common Approach To Children’s Health

CATCH is a free health app for parents and carers of children aged 0-5.

The local NHS-approved tool helps empower you with the information necessary to decide when your child needs medical treatment or when self-care is more appropriate.

Mental Health

There are a number of organisations that can help and support you with your mental health: 

  • Healthy Young Minds Oldham - specialist services for children and young people who are experiencing mental health and emotional wellbeing difficulties
  • Mind - support and advice for anyone experiencing a mental health problem
  • Off the Record - counselling service for young people
  • Childline - help for anyone under 19 in the UK with any issue they’re going through
  • Samaritans - a safe place for you to talk any time you like
  • Oldham RAID team - co-ordinated care for people with mental health problems

Drugs and alcohol awareness and support

There are a number of organisations that can help and support you issues with drugs and alcohol: 

  • Talk to FRANK - information and advice on drugs and where to get help
  • Kids Health - for anyone who is affected by drugs or alcohol and wants support to make a change

Sexual health

There are a number of organisations that can provide advice, health and support with your sexual health: 

National Citizenship Service

National Citizenship Service is aimed at 16/17 year olds and up to 24 if they have specific needs.

The programme helps engage young people during school half terms and summer holidays

Contact

Your personal advisor is always available for advice and support and can be contacted using these details