Helpful tools and guidance
Resources
Free templates, clear guidance and trusted links to help you request your care records, understand your rights and find emotional support.
Downloadable templates
Subject Access Request templates
These Word templates give you a starting point. You can edit them with your own details before sending.
Subject Access Request template
A ready to use letter for requesting your personal data, including care records, from a local authority or agency.
Download (9.3 KB)Subject Access Request follow-up template
Use this if you have not had a response within one month and want to chase your request formally.
Download (9.0 KB)Care records complaint template
A formal complaint letter for delays, missing information, errors or poor handling of your request.
Download (9.1 KB)Your rights
About the Information Commissioner's Office
The ICO is the UK's independent regulator for data protection and information rights. If an organisation mishandles your personal data, delays your request or refuses it without good reason, the ICO can help.
What the ICO can do
- •Give advice on your data protection rights
- •Investigate complaints about organisations
- •Issue guidance and take enforcement action when needed
Making a complaint
You have the right to expect your request to be handled properly. If something goes wrong, you can complain.
- Complain to the organisation first. Give them clear details and say what you want to happen.
- If you are not satisfied, contact the ICO for data protection concerns.
- For council or social care complaints, you can also go to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman.
Complaints guidance
If things go wrong, you are not powerless
Delays, lost files, wrong information and poor communication are unfortunately common. You do not have to accept them quietly. I can help you understand your options and, if you want, support you in making your complaint.
Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman
For complaints about councils and care providers that you cannot resolve locally.
lgo.org.ukLooking after yourself
Emotional wellbeing resources
Requesting and reading care records can be heavy. These organisations offer free, confidential support whenever you need it.
The Samaritans
24 hour emotional support for anyone in distress. You do not have to be suicidal to call.
116 123
Visit websiteNHS Talking Therapies
Free, confidential therapy for anxiety, depression and trauma through your GP or self referral.
Visit websiteMind
Information, advice and local services for mental health, including trauma and crisis support.
Visit websitePapyrus
Support for anyone under 35 struggling with suicidal thoughts, or anyone worried about a young person.
0800 068 4141
Visit websiteCommon questions
Frequently asked questions
You are not alone
Organisations that support care experienced and adopted adults
These organisations understand the care and adoption system. They offer advice, counselling, community and practical help.
Adoption UK
Support, community and information for adopted people and adoptive families.
Family Action
Adult adoption counselling, support and intermediary services for adopted adults and birth relatives.
Coram
Coram offers support for care experienced young people and helps adults access their care records.
The Care Leaver Covenant
A national commitment to support care leavers with opportunities, services and rights.
Become (formerly the Who Cares? Trust)
Advice, support and a voice for children in care and young care leavers.
The Care Workers' Charity
While focused on care workers, they also signpost resources that can help care experienced people.
Still have questions?
I am happy to point you in the right direction. Send me a message and I will do my best to help.
Get in touch