Teen Health 11-19 Service
What is Teen Health?
Teen Health is a team of caring and dedicated Health and Wellbeing Officers who work across Leicestershire and Rutland to provide health and emotional wellbeing advice and support to children and young people aged 11 – 19 (25 with SEND). We focus on young people of secondary school age and above, working hand in hand with the young person either at their secondary school or within the local community.
Our service is proudly organised by Leicestershire and Rutland County Councils, as part of the early help service. We collaborate with various other services and partners to ensure that every child and young person can stay healthy, happy, and safe. Our team of experienced Health and Wellbeing Officers is managed within the Children and Family Wellbeing Service and Rutland Early Help Service and overseen by Public Health, ensuring a reliable, trustworthy and seamless service approach is provided.
What does Teen Health do?
At Teen Health, our ultimate aim is to help all children and young people in Leicestershire and Rutland live healthier and happier lives. We provide support through a range of options such as group work, workshops, and one-to-one sessions. When needed the team will refer and signpost to other services across the county.
Did you know?
Teen Health can help with a range of different issues
- Problems with friendships
- Sexual health advice
- Support to access contraception and testing
- Boosting confidence and self-esteem
- Coping with starting a new school
- Positive relationships
- Dealing with exam stress
- Accessing support for physical health
- Receiving advice on drugs and alcohol
- Overcoming feelings of sadness or worry
- Staying healthy and safe
How confidential is the service?
When working with young people their privacy is important. The conversations we have with them will remain confidential unless their safety is at risk in which case the right people will be informed
Young people will be encouraged to discuss their issue with a trusted adult but Teen Health will not share information without their permission.
Health Pages
Any young person can access our Health Topics pages for support and information. The Health Topics are separated into different areas and each page gives links to other services who can offer support on the topic. Amend the button at the top to either 11 – 14 or 15-19 or Parent/Carer to see the appropriate health topic pages.
Where does Teen Health work?
Health and Wellbeing Officers are present in every secondary schools in Leicestershire and most secondary in Rutland. Additionally, we organise activities and sessions within the community, especially during school holidays.
To find out the Teen Health officer that is based in a particular school, use the "Where do you study?" button at the top of the page.
Additionally, officers may visit families if the young person does not attend a secondary school, or they attend a school outside of the county.
If a young person is attending secondary school outside of Leicestershire, please speak directly to their local authority or school nursing team for appropriate support. Teen Health is unable to offer support to young people who do not attend a secondary school within Leicestershire or Rutland.
How will Teen Health support a young person?
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Drop in sessions
Some schools provide drop in services where a young person can visit a Health and Wellbeing Officer without an appointment or referral. Drop in sessions offer support and guidance, often signposting to other services if needed. If within these sessions it is decided the young person needs additional support, the officer will refer them into the appropriate service.
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1-2-1 sessions
When appropriate, Teen Health will offer a young person 1-2-1 support. After receiving a referral, a Health and Wellbeing Officer will contact the young person to arrange a meeting. In the initial session, they will discuss specific needs and determine the best support plan. The meeting could take place at their school, home or in the community.
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Group Work
If a group of young people are facing similar challenges, we will use various resources to run a supportive group at school or in the community.
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Events
From time to time, we organise special events focusing on topics like staying healthy and safe, where we collaborate with other services to provide valuable information. If your organisation would like to collaborate with Teen Health, please get in touch on teenhealth@leics.gov.uk or ypservices@rutland.gov.uk.
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Health Topics
If the young person is not ready to talk to a Teen Health Officer, they can access information via the Health Topics pages. Use the ‘I am’ button at the top to navigate to the 11 – 14 page or the 15 – 19 page. These have health topics which are relevant to the age group, giving links to other trusted organisations.
Stories
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Referrals
Referring a young person to Teen Health
A referral can be made by the young person or any adult, parent or carer. Use the links in the section below to complete a referral form. Once we receive a referral, our team will review the information provided to decide on the most appropriate intervention for that young person. If we can support, the Health and Wellbeing Officer will contact the young person to arrange a meeting. If we cannot provide the support needed, we will offer suggestions for other services or options that may be better placed to offer support. We are only able to accept referrals where the young person is aware and agrees to support. We will inform the referrer of the outcomes and the support that has been offered.
How do I contact a Health and Wellbeing officer?
Use the links below to submit a referral to Teen Health
Alternatively, the young person can contact the Health and Wellbeing Officer at their school. By using the "Where do you study?" button at the top of this page, you can view information about all Health and Wellbeing Officers. If the young person is unsure how to find them in school, they can ask at the school reception, the pastoral team or their teacher.
For those not in secondary school, use the forms above to seek help from us.
Our service operates during normal office hours, 9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday. We provide support all year round and this includes during school holidays, except for Christmas and the Bank Holidays.
Please remember that Teen Health is not an emergency service. For any safeguarding concerns please contact social care on 0116 5050 005 or complete a MARF.
For Urgent Help
For any emergency call 999 or attend the local Accident and Emergency department.
If you have an urgent health issue call 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk to speak to the NHS. They are available 24/7 and can guide you to appropriate help if necessary.
For urgent mental health concerns, call the Central Access Point at 0808 800 3302, available 24/7.
At Teen Health, we're here for every child and young person, every step of the way, supporting them on their journey to a healthier and happier life. Reach out to us today, and let's work together to achieve their well-being goals!
