School nursing team promotes new resources for young people
Earlier this Spring the Trust school nursing team launched exciting new resources for teenagers and young people and has been out and about promoting them in local schools.
Chat Health is a text messaging service that allows young people in the county to reach out to a school nurse directly for support with any health and wellbeing concerns they may have.
Health for teens is a website designed specifically for teenagers and young people to provide them with advice and resources that can support their health and help them navigate the transition to adulthood – the site includes advice on relationships, feelings, lifestyle choices and sexual health. Young people and their parents can use the website to access localised information, news, resources, public health (school) nurse information and more.
Susie Mitchell, Interim Head of Service Children and Young People for the Trust, said: “It’s fantastic to be able to offer local information that’s specifically written for and aimed at our young people. Being a teenager can be an isolating time and it’s hard to know where to turn for trusted healthcare advice. It’s not always easy for young people to raise topics that might be worrying them with a family member or teachers at school. As school nurses we’re seen as trusted and independent individuals yet unfortunately we can’t always be available at times when young people really need to be able to talk to someone. We’re hoping these two new online resources will help us bridge the availability gap and become a first step for young people to access the right advice, help and support when they need it.”
Visit the Health for Teens website to discover more
Chat Health
- The Chat Health messaging service empowers young people to get confidential help and advice about a range of health concerns, including emotional health, sexual health, relationships, alcohol, drugs and bullying.
- Messages can be sent anonymously (if preferred). Trained healthcare professionals will reply to the message within 24 working hours – Monday-Friday (excluding bank holidays) 9am to 4pm.
- It’s important to note that Chat Health is not an emergency service. Anyone requiring urgent help should call NHS 111 or 999 if it’s a life threatening an emergency.
Find out more about our school nursing team.