When you come into care you will have a health check (also called a Health Assessment) with the doctor in the first month. Under 5’s are then seen every 6 months and children age 6 to 10 are seen once a year. From age 11 to 18 you will be seen by the Looked after Children’s Nurse who will do your health check once a year. If you need to speak to the nurse, you can call 020 3771 6100 or 6101.

A ‘Health passport’

Before you turn 18 you will receive a ‘Health Passport’ which contains your medical information. Please keep this safe. If you have not received this by the time you turn 18 please let your social worker or leaving care worker know.

You will also be registered with a doctor near to where you live.

You can speak to the Looked After Children’s nurse about anything to do with your health including eating, exercise, sexual health, emotional health and if you need support with alcohol, smoking or drug problems. They may put you in contact with someone who can give you more help.

If you are finding it difficult to cope with feelings like anxiety, stress, depression, anger, sadness or anything else we can offer you professionals and services to help you. These include:

• A psychologist
• A counselling service in your area
• A Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service in your area

Please talk to your foster carer, social worker, the nurse or someone else you trust if you would like help.

The Looked After Children’s nurse can provide advice, information and support and also offers free contraception.

We will offer you support and counselling if you need help with issues around smoking, drugs and alcohol.

Please talk to your foster carer, social worker, the nurse or someone else you trust if you would like help. You can also find out more here:

• HYPE – Hounslow Young People Engaged
• FRANK

We will make sure you get all the immunisations that you need, keep a record of them and keep them up to date.