Southern Health launches text service to give young people advice

The school nursing service at Southern Health has launched ChatHealth, which will improve access to health information for people aged 11 to 19.

The service is manned by qualified school nurses who have experience of working with young people.

ChatHealth is available now and allows people in Hampshire to text messages to the dedicated number 07507 332 160. The messages are then delivered to a secure website. Once received, the school nursing service will respond to the text within one working day.

The team are able to support young people with questions relating to a range of health and wellbeing issues including self-harm, relationships, bullying, weight, anxiety, drugs, smoking, stress, body worries, alcohol and sexual health. As well as giving advice, the team can signpost to appropriate services and other support.

Ginny Taylor, head of children and family services at Southern Health, said: ‘ChatHealth is an award-winning young people’s texting service that has been launched in many NHS health trusts across the UK.

‘Launching it in Hampshire is an exciting opportunity to make health information more easily accessible for children and young people. ChatHealth will help young people get timely advice and support from our qualified school nurses.’