To mark #ChildrensMentalHealthWeek and to support young people to manage their mental wellbeing, our 0-19/+ Health and Wellbeing Services in Wirral and Cheshire East are proud to launch ChatHealth, a new text messaging service for 11-19 year olds.
Young people will be able to find confidential advice and support from their local school nursing service on a range of health and wellbeing issues, including anxiety, bullying, relationships and emotional health, by text.
This new service, a winner of the NHS Innovation Challenge Award, can provide advice, information and guidance, and signpost to other services if needed. It does not replace face-to-face services, but particularly under the current restrictions due to COVID-19 it will make it easier and safer 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.
Lindsey Costello, Service Manager for the 0-19 Health and Wellbeing Service, said: We are proud to have launched our new text messaging service during these difficult and challenging times. ChatHealth is a quick and easy way for our young people to access a variety of support and information on issues which can impact their physical and mental wellbeing. With a large number of young people home-schooling our school nurses are on hand to provide confidential support via text.”
ChatHealth is currently available between 9am – 5.00pm Monday to Friday (including school holidays and excluding bank holidays) and can be accessed by texting the following numbers:
- Wirral: 07480635538
- Cheshire East: 07507329908
Anyone sending a text outside 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.
Visit our ChatHealth page for more information.
