Extended hours for ChatHealth support available to Young People
With the summer holidays in full swing, young people needing advice or support in Worcestershire can access ChatHealth – a confidential text service which puts them in touch with their local school health nurses.
ChatHealth is a secure and confidential text messaging service available to 11-19-year-olds in the county.
Offering a way for young people to contact their school health nurses easily and anonymously for advice on issues such as exam results stress, sexual health, bullying, emotional health, relationship problems, healthy lifestyles, alcohol, and drugs.
School health nurses provide young people with a variety of support and information on issues which can impact the physical and mental wellbeing of young people. They champion health promoting activities and programmes both in and out of school and work closely with other professionals and the local community.
Louise Langston, Clinical Services Manager Starting Well Partnership said,” During the summer holidays, when young people are not in school, it’s more important than ever that they know we’re still here to support them.
“ChatHealth offers a different line of communication in the absence of face to face and gives young people an opportunity to anonymously get in touch and access support they need.
“We’re encouraging parents, carers and all organisations working with young people to share the ChatHealth information”.
School health nurses within Worcestershire are part of the Starting Well Partnership, which supports children, young people, and families from pregnancy to birth and throughout school life.
Led by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust, together with Action for Children, Barnardo’s and Redditch Borough Council, the partnership brings together a range of teams from health visitors, specialist nursery nurses, breastfeeding support, school health nurses, early help services and support for children who require more specialist care.
For more information on local support for children, young people and families visit the Starting Well Partnership website.
ChatHealth is now available between 9:00am-5:00pm Monday to Friday and can be accessed by texting 07507331750.