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Health services and support

Information about health services, including doctors, mental health support, and how to get the care you need in Somerset

Looking after your health and wellbeing

We will support and encourage you to stay healthy and to look after your physical and mental health.

We will help you by:

  • giving you a summary of your health information before you turn 18
  • helping you register with a doctor and a dentist
  • sharing tips and information to help you live a healthy life
  • supporting you to move from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services to Adult Mental Health Services, if you need this
  • explaining how to get free prescriptions or help with prescription costs
  • helping you get to medical appointments
  • supporting you if you are a parent
  • helping you access specialist services, such as drug and alcohol support or sexual health services, to help keep you safe

Live Well

You can also get advice, tips and tools to help you make good choices about your health and wellbeing on the NHS Live Well website, including:

  • eating well
  • keeping a healthy weight
  • exercise
  • sleep and feeling tired
  • sexual health
  • alcohol support
  • quitting smoking
  • mood and mental wellbeing
  • keeping your body healthy

Find more information about health services if you need it on the Healthy Somerset website.

Health care summary

When you turn 18, you will be offered a health care summary. This is a short record of your health and is recommended by national health guidance. This is part of our offer to you.

If you are 17, the Children Looked After Team will ask you during your health check whether you would like a health care summary when you turn 18. If you say yes, it will be prepared for you around your 18th birthday.

If you are 17 years and 9 months when you have your review health assessment, your health care summary will be included as part of that appointment.

Your Leaving Care Worker will also help you learn about the National Health Service App. This app lets you see and keep track of your health information. You can download it on your phone, and your worker can show you how it works if you want.

Finding and registering with a doctor (GP)

We will help you find and register with a doctor (General Practitioner) if you do not already have one.

We can also help you sign up for online doctor services.

Using a website or app, you will be able to:

  • book or cancel appointments with a doctor or nurse
  • order repeat prescriptions
  • see parts of your medical record, such as:
    • medicines you take
    • allergies
    • letters from hospitals or clinics
    • vaccinations
    • past illnesses and test results
    • appointment and referral letters

You can access your online doctor records any time, day or night.

If you are not registered with a doctor yet, or need to change to a different one, we can help you register with a local doctor’s practice.

We can also help you find a doctor that is right for you.

Get a Dentist

We know finding a dentist can be really hard at the moment, and you might need some extra help.

If you are struggling to find a dentist, please talk to your Leaving Care Worker or Social Worker. They can let you know if any dentists are taking on National Health Service patients, or help you get the dental treatment you need.

You do not have to deal with this on your own – we are here to support you.

Useful contacts and apps

You may find these ‘health’ apps useful

  • NHS
  • change4life food scanner
  • easy meals
  • health help now

Last reviewed: March 19, 2026 by Jennifer

Next review due: September 19, 2026

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