Parents, carers and young people across Cheshire East and St Helens can now access free, confidential health and wellbeing support through a new NHS text messaging service, Text and Connect – 07507 329908
The service has been launched to make it easier for families and young people to connect with local health visitors and school nurses, providing a safe and accessible way to seek advice, ask questions and access information on a wide range of issues affecting children’s and young people’s health and wellbeing.
Available via text message, Text and Connect provides access to trusted healthcare professionals without the need for an appointment, helping families and young people receive timely advice, reassurance and signposting to local services when they need it most.
Parents and carers can contact the service for advice on topics including breastfeeding, weaning, sleep, behaviour, child development, dental health and emotional wellbeing. Support is also available for parents and carers of school-aged children, covering issues such as healthy lifestyles, bullying, school worries and general health concerns.
Young people can use the service independently to access confidential advice from a school nurse about mental wellbeing, anxiety, friendships, relationships, self-esteem, sexual health, healthy lifestyles and any other concerns they may have.
Importantly, users do not need to provide their name to access support. Conversations are confidential, anonymous and non-judgemental, helping to remove barriers that can sometimes prevent people from seeking help.
Carrie Catterall from the 0-19+ Service, said:
We know that life can be busy and that people don’t always know where to go for advice or feel comfortable picking up the phone. Text and Connect provides a simple, accessible and confidential way for parents, carers and young people to engage with local healthcare professionals and access trusted support close to home.
Whether someone has a quick question, a concern about their child’s development, or simply needs pointing in the right direction, we’re here to help.
Text and Connect is designed to ensure help is never far away and reflects a commitment to improving access to services, ensuring children, young people and families can obtain timely advice and support from experienced health visitors and school nurses.
The service is available via text message on 07507 329908 from 9.00am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday, including school holidays (excluding bank holidays). Once a text has been received, users will receive an automatic acknowledgement, and a health visitor or school nurse will aim to respond within three working days.
While Text and Connect provides advice, support and signposting, it is not an emergency service. Anyone requiring urgent medical or mental health assistance should contact their GP, NHS 111, or call 999 in an emergency.
For more information, including local contact details and text numbers, visit www.wchc.nhs.uk/text
