Pathfinders will support all young people’s physical and mental health and regarding medication, Pathfinders will ensure staff are trained in safe medication handling. Whilst it is important that young people can manage their own medication, Pathfinders appreciate that young people may need additional support and guidance on their journey to full independence. This may include the need for support in accessing medication through appointments and they may need support and reminding about the safe ways to manage their medication. Pathfinders will assess the competence of a young person in relation to medication as part of the referral process and work with the young person’s personal adviser / social worker to ensure that they have a clear plan around their medication, and that they are able to access and take any medication themselves.  Pathfinders will support young people who may need help initially with storage and will hold appropriate and accurate records, however a young person will be required to be able to dispense and administer medication themselves.

Pathfinders staff will actively support and develop young people’s knowledge of healthy living. Pathfinders believe they have an important role to work in partnership with placing authorities to ensure that “The Care Planning Placement and Case Review (England) Regulations 2010” are followed, and that young people can access all appropriate healthcare services.  We are committed to protecting young people’s physical and mental health and do this by ensuring support across the following areas.

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• Ensuring access to services – i.e. gym, health appointments, youth centre

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• All Young people are registered with local dentist. General practitioners, Opticians and CAMHS

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• Access to sexual health clinics and sexual health nurse visits.

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• Promoting and supporting healthy diets and support in cooking where needed  

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• Supporting with addictions, substance misuse, vaping, smoking

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• Promoting self-esteem through support with hygiene and clean environment.