The Text-a-Nurse Service which has been launched by the Department of Education aims to provide a secure and confidential text messaging service for young people aged 11-19, which will allow them to easily and anonymously get in touch with a school nurse for advice and support about their physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. Text messages from the young people will be managed by the local school nurse team using the ChatHealth web platform.
This service will provide advice about sensitive health issues where young people might want to avoid a face to face appointment, and school nurses can provide help, advice and support with a variety of issues including:
- Emotional health and wellbeing
- Stress and anxiety
- Self-harm
- Alcohol and drugs
- Body Image
- Smoking
- Bullying
- Sexual health
- General health issues
The service is available 9am to 5pm during the week in both term time and school holidays (excluding bank holidays).
https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/news/new-text-nurse-advice-service-young-people-0