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Health and wellbeing (Care Leavers)

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The physical, emotional and mental wellbeing of Care Leavers is our top priority. We are dedicated to supporting your health and ensuring you have access to the services you need.

We have put together a summary of the support available to you from us at Peterborough City Council, along with the NHS and other external organisations.

Please contact your Personal Advisor or the Care Leaver Local Offer Lead for further assistance.

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Our offer

Before you turn 18, your Social Worker can help you to get a Health Passport. This is a document containing your health history. It includes vaccination records, dental history and other medical information.

Your Personal Advisor can support to you to register with a GP, dentist and optician. They can also help you access mental health and sexual health services.

We can provide you with financial support for prescription costs if you are not eligible for free NHS prescriptions.

For Care Leavers over the age of 18, we can provide a free gym pass for Vivacity leisure services in Peterborough:

  • Hampton Leisure Centre
  • Bushfield Leisure Centre
  • Werrington Leisure Centre
  • Jack Hunt Swimming Pool
  • Stanground Academy (weekends only)
  • The Lido (off-peak access)

Please contact your Personal Advisor to get your free gym pass.

Concrete Rose offers up to six months of free therapy or counselling for Care Leavers in Peterborough.

Children's Services must keep records of your care history for 75 years. From age 18, you can request access to your records via a Subject Access Request.

We strongly recommend discussing this with your Personal Advisor before applying, as accessing your care records can be an emotional process. If you have concerns after receiving your records, contact the Care Leaver Local Offer Lead.

Care Leavers up to the age of 25 who need a bicycle for travel to work or education can receive up to £200 towards the purchase of a bicycle, helmet and lock. This offer is available on a needs basis.

Please speak to your Personal Advisor to discuss.

If you'd like to discuss your support further, please speak to your Personal Advisor or contact our Leaving Care Team:

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Mental health support

Centre 33 offers free, confidential support for young people up to 25, covering mental health, housing, and sexual health.

A free, anonymous online platform for mental health support, including live chat, forums, and self-help resources.

Visit the Kooth website.

The Keep Your Head website offers local mental health resources, self-help guides, and service directories for young people.

The Kite Trust supports LGBTQ+ young people through group sessions, one-to-one support, and events.

A mental health and wellbeing helpline for people aged 18+ in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

Visit the mental health page on our Peterborough Information Network directory to find more information on support available in Peterborough.

Additional local support

Although most NHS treatment is free, there can be costs involved for services relating to prescriptions, dental check-ups and treatments, eyesight tests etc.

You could be entitled to help with these costs.

Visit the NHS website to check what help you could get to pay for NHS costs.

Visit the iCaSH Peterborough NHS website to find information on how you can get help locally with:

  • C-Card Scheme (free condoms for young people)
  • Chlamydia testing
  • Contraception and emergency contraception
  • HIV testing and care
  • Advice, testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
  • Sexual health advice and support

If you need support with learning disabilities or difficulties, there are resources available to assist you. Mencap provides useful information and support for individuals with learning disabilities, including advice on independent living, employment, and accessing services. If you think you may have a learning disability or difficulty, it’s important to speak with your GP.

To learn more about learning disabilities and the support available, visit the Mencap website.

Support with HIV and STI testing, advice, and LGBTQ+ support groups.

Please contact ASPIRE on 01733 895 624 or visit them at Rivergate Shopping Centre, 102-104 Bridge Street, Peterborough.

Additional national support

ChildLine is a free national 24-hour telephone helpline for any child in trouble or danger. It is a confidential counselling service that offers information and help to children and young people

Telephone: 0800 1111
Visit the Childline website

The Samaritans offer a safe place for you to talk any time you like, in your own way – about whatever’s getting to you. You don’t have to be suicidal. A free and confidential service, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Visit the Samaritans website
or contact them on freephone: 116 123

Please call 111.

NHS 111 can help if you have an urgent medical problem and you're not sure what to do or where to get help. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Call NHS 111 and choose First Response Service

24-hour drug advice and information line – 0800 776600.

Last updated: 18 September 2025