Support for 16-24
Health and Wellbeing
Health Assessments
While you are a child in the care of the Local Authority, you have to be offered a Health Assessment at least every 12 months. We strongly recommend this as it will help to pick up any worries you may have early, or anything you haven’t spotted. It is a safe space to ask any questions about health with a health professional.
Care Leaver Health Summary
When you turn 18 the Children in Care Nursing Team will send you a Health Summary which includes your immunisation record, information on how to access a GP, dentist and optician and where you can go for health advice and information.
Financial Support
You may be eligible for some financial support towards dental checks / treatment if you’re:
- aged 16 to 18 years in full time education
- pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months
- having treatment as an in-patient or out-patient at an NHS hospital
- receiving universal credit
- on a low income and have a health credit certificate (known as HC2 or HC3 certificate)
You may also be eligible for free eye tests and vouchers towards glasses/contact lenses if you’re:
- aged 16 to 18 and in full time education
- receiving universal credit
- on a low income and have a health credit certificate (known as HC2 or HC3 certificate)
You are eligible for free prescriptions if you’re:
- aged 16-18 and in full time education
- receiving universal credit
- pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months (you will need an exemption certificate from your GP)
- receiving treatment in hospital
If you’re on a low income you can apply for a health credit certificate known as HC2 or HC3. This will give you reduced cost, or free dental and eye checks/treatment. This is dependent on your income and needs at the time you apply for support. A certificate can last from six months to five years depending on your circumstances. To find out more, ask your GP, dentist or optician, or ask your Personal Adviser to help you apply.
If you do not fall into any of the groups listed below and you are worried about the costs please talk to us and we can see what we can do to help you find a way forward.
PIP (Personal Independence Payment)
PIP can help with extra living costs if you have both:
- a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability
- difficulty doing certain everyday tasks or getting around because of your condition
You can get PIP even if you’re working, have savings or are getting most other benefits.
There are two parts to PIP:
- a daily living part - if you need help with everyday tasks
- a mobility part - if you need help with getting around
Whether you get one or both parts and how much you get depends on how difficult you find everyday tasks and getting around.
More information can be found on the Gov.UK website: PIP. Alternatively, you can ask your Personal Adviser for advice.
Emotional and Therapeutic Support
If you are open to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) before you turn 18, we will work with you and your CAMHS team to think about whether you need to transfer to an adult mental health service and if so, support this to happen.
This is our local service, provided by Polaris. The THOR service will promote emotional health, wellbeing and resilience, which is tailored to your individual needs and will deliver outcome-focused interventions built on a robust evidence-based approach. It is an emotional health and wellbeing model which provides therapeutic support and is open to you up to age 25.
To access support your social worker or PA will need to complete an SDQ questionnaire (Strengths & difficulties questionnaire) and access a referral from via the electronic recording system they have. There is also an SDQ for you to complete which helps THOR workers understand your needs. The social worker or PA will then attend a consultation and with your consent discuss your support needs. After that, you may be allocated a service from THOR or THOR staff will make recommendations to your professional network or signpost to more appropriate supports. Should your professional disagree with the decision at consultation or the completed SDQ evidence low need, they can professionally challenge and be allocated to be heard at the EHWB panel (Emotional Health and Wellbeing Board).
Your GP is a good source of support for your emotional and mental health. We do recommend talking to them about what you think you need.
Adult Mental Health Social Care support for adults with mental health needs is coordinated by locality teams. Referrals are made via the link below and your Personal Adviser can support you with this or they, or someone else you trust, can make a referral for you if you wish.
Alternatively, you can contact Adult Social Care by phone on 0300 123 7034.
Community Mental Health Teams (health practitioners) can get involved by you asking your GP.
Other teams may be appropriate to support you, for example the Early Intervention Team. If you have been admitted to hospital in relation to your mental health, health and social care teams will work together to identify the best support.
Kooth is a free, anonymous, online counselling and emotional well-being service available to young people aged 16-25. Support from qualified therapists is accessible up to 10pm every night, 365 days/year. Kooth also offers other key features of support including an online interactive magazine, peer support, live forums, and journaling. Young people are able to register for support through Kooth independently.
Visit to enjoy a cup of coffee and take a moment to prioritise your mental health. This safe space was established as a sanctuary ‘on the high street’ for open dialogue and community support.
- Website: Wellbeing Café
- Address: Bluecoat Square, Upper Northgate St, Chester CH1 4EE
- Phone: 07849 445787
Our health is affected by our activity, and vice versa. The job centre and our Skills and Employability Hub recognise this and are able to help you develop confidence and skills recognising current health challenges, so do talk to them about options for you. Your Personal Adviser can help you do this, if you would like them to.
Support around substance use
VIA
VIA is a charity offering free, confidential support to adults and young people with issues around alcohol dependency and drug use across the UK.
Leisure, Fitness, Connections and Outdoors
Brio pass
You are entitled to have a free Brio pass up to your 21st birthday, which enables you to make use of Brio leisure facilities at free or reduced rates. Requests are made by your PA to the relevant team (Participation Officer).
Bus pass
Up to the age of 21, you are entitled to a free bus pass covering the area of Cheshire West and Chester. The request is made by your PA to the relevant Operations Assistant with our Transport and Infrastructure Team.
Support groups
Depending where you live, there are likely to be supportive groups or other support offers that will help with developing independence and supporting good physical and mental health, so do ask your Personal Adviser if you would like help to identify possible options.
