ChatHealth - confidential text messaging service for young people in St Helens

ChatHealth, a confidential text messaging service for young people in St Helens, is now available.

Brought to you by the School Nursing Service (part of the 0-19+ Service in St Helens), young people, aged 11-19, can access confidential advice and support from school nurses via text - 07312 263250, on a range of health and wellbeing issues including:

Anxiety                                                         Bullying

Exam stress                                                 Exercise

Feelings and emotions                                 Friendships

Healthy eating and lifestyle                          Mental wellbeing

Nutrition and diet                                          Puberty

Relationships                                               Self-harm

Sexual health and wellbeing                        Sleeping

Stress                                                           Wellbeing

This new service, a winner of the NHS Innovation Challenge Award, provides advice, information, and guidance, as well as signposting to other local services if needed. It does not replace face-to-face services, but it does make it easier for a young person to get in touch with a school nurse confidentially and anonymously. It also offers a way to get in touch for those who feel reluctant to talk about difficult or sensitive issues.

How ChatHealth works

ChatHealth is available between 9.00am and 5.00pm Monday to Friday (including school holidays and excluding bank holidays) and is accessed by texting
07312 263250.

Anyone sending a text outside of these hours will receive an automated message with advice on where to get help if they require it urgently. When the service reopens, the sender will then receive a reply to the message.

ChatHealth is confidential, anonymous, and non-judgemental*.

* Unless a young person gives permission, the team will not pass on any information shared - except in extreme circumstances e.g., the health, safety, or welfare of the individual or someone else who is at significant risk.

For more information about ChatHealth visit:

http://www.wchc.nhs.uk/chathealth