Chat about health with new text service
A new text messaging service is encouraging young people across Northumberland to discuss their health concerns in confidence.
Chat Health allows 11 to 19-year-olds to text their school nurse, in confidence, for advice and support on issues including, mental health, bullying, self-harm, alcohol and drugs, relationships, healthy eating and smoking.
The service has been rolled out to all secondary schools across Northumberland and North Tyneside. A small team of trained school nurses triage and answer all messages, with an automated message being sent if a text is received out-of-hours. The nurses can also signpost the young person on to other appropriate health care services, if necessary, or offer to see them face-to-face. Text Chat Health on 07507 332258.