Health & Wellbeing

We want you to have the right support to have a happy and healthy life, your mental and physical health is important. Remember to access any of these offers please speak to your Young Person’s Advisor (YP) at any time.

• You will be supported to access a Health summary from the CL nurse which will provide a summary of your health history.
• You have access to our Care leaver Nurse who is available weekly at the drop in on Thursdays 1-6pm at the Oasis Hub (unless set workshops or events on)
• You can access free toothbrushes and toothpaste to support your dental hygiene from the Oasis drop in hub. Just ask one of the staff.
• You can access specialist dental support should you have any phobias or worries around your dental health. A referral can be made via your YPA or the Care leaver nurse.
• You will have access to free prescriptions, dental care and eye care till 18 years.
• Beyond 18 years you can access free prescriptions via various routes including:

• Over 18 years and in receipt of universal credit – Just take your entitlement letter when booking appointments or collecting prescriptions.
• Working and on a low income you may have access to free prescriptions, dental care and eye care by applying for a HC2 form online. HC2 certificates (full help with health costs) | NHSBSA
• If in full time/ part time employment or attending university you can access a prepayment certificate to access free medication via prescriptions as part of the Black country offer to care leavers.

Care leavers who are eligible for the pre-payment certificate must be:

• Registered with a GP
• A care leaver and eligible to receive a leaving care service from the City of Wolverhampton Council
• Be under 25 years old.
• Not already be exempt from prescription charges.

To apply: complete the relevant application form via this link: Once complete, send it to the Designated Nurse for Children in Care, via the email address highlighted at the bottom of the form. Once received and eligible you should receive your pre-paid certificate within 2 weeks. You will be updated on any delays for this.
If you are not eligible for the prepayment prescription you will be informed of the reason and will be provided with further advice on payment for prescriptions and appealing the decision. You can ask your YPA to support you with this.

Pre-paid certificate renewals: You will be contacted approximately one month before expiry of the certificate to see if you wish to continue with the pre-payment certificate for the following 12 months and to check your eligibility. Please note if we do not receive a response from you, your certificate will expire, and you will need to pay for any items prescribed or reapply with a new application form.

Sexual Health

• You can get sexual health advice from Embrace which includes free access to contraception.
• You can also meet the Embrace Team at the REACH Oasis drop-in hub, Old Health Crescent, WV1 2HW every Thursday, 1pm – 6pm.

Physical Health

• You can access a free membership to all WV Active gyms in Wolverhampton, with the addition of being able to take a guest with you. You can also get free1:1 swimming lessons and lifeguard training.
• You can access a YO Active account which gives you access to various fun activities and sports sessions in the community with various partners such as minikickers, just ramps, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and more.
• You can have access to a Nurse who works specifically with Care Experienced young people. You can meet the nurse at the REACH OASIS drop-in hub, Old Health Crescent, WV1 2HW every Thursday, 1pm – 6pm.

Mental Health

You can get help with your mental health and feelings from:

• Healthy Minds and Ask Jan (see download section for further information)
• You can get help for drink and drug issues at Wolverhampton Recovery Near You.
• You can have free access to the Ask Jan app. The app can help care experienced young people access advice and support around their mental health as well as other benefits. For information about how to access the app please view the Ask Jan App Guide.
• Your YPA can help connect you with a Grand Mentor—someone who can meet with you regularly to offer companionship and support. They’re there to help you feel less isolated and to encourage you in working towards your personal goals
• The Reach team is currently looking to recruit a Wellbeing Champion—someone who can support you in achieving your mental and physical health goals. They will provide advice, guidance, and encouragement to help you stay well and enjoy a fulfilling life
• You can have access to a nurturing you retreat and Whatsapp support channel to offer you some self-care tips and strategies to help support your mental health.
• You can have access to wellbeing days and events throughout the year at The Oasis Drop in hub.

You can visit the REACH oasis drop-in hub, Old Health Crescent, WV1 2HW every Thursday, 1pm – 6pm to meet with your peers, YPA’s and a variety of support services to help and support you whatever you need.