ChatHealth is a confidential NHS text messaging service offering advice and support to Trafford young people aged 11-16 with questions and queries about their health and wellbeing. A team of experienced and qualified School Nurses have been busy training up to offer this fantastic new addition to the service.
The service is run by local School Nurses who have the skills and wealth of experience of working with local children and young people. ChatHealth is confidential, quick and easy, anonymous and non-judgemental. From research, young people using the service found it easier to ask for help and less embarrassing to ask for advice on personal issues by text than in person or over the phone.
The ChatHealth School Nursing Team are able to support with questions generated by text message to a single number from young people relating to a wide range of health and wellbeing issues including mental health, bullying, self harm, alcohol, drugs, healthy eating, smoking, sex, relationships and more.
The experienced friendly team can signpost to appropriate services and other support.
How ChatHealth works
- Text the dedicated number 07312 263 056
- The messages are then delivered to a secure website and a school nurse will be able to provide a response to the text
- The School Nursing team responds to texts within one working day
- The service operates Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm (excluding bank holidays). Out of these opening times, anyone who texts ChatHealth will receive an automated message with advice on where to get help if their question is urgent.
ChatHealth runs alongside the normal school nursing service.
For more information, contact your local School Nurse or visit the Trafford Local Care Organisation School Nursing team’s Twitter, Facebook and Instagram pages below:
www.twitter.com/TraffSchNurses
www.facebook.com/traffordschoolnurses/
www.instagram.com/traffordschoolnursing/