ChatHealth
Our ChatHealth text messaging service puts you directly in touch with a member of the health visiting or school nursing teams for advice and information. You don't need to give your name and you'll be able to get confidentual advice and information straight to your phone, about any concerns you might have about the health of your baby or child.
And if you're aged 11-19, we have a dedicated number for you too. Text us in confidence about any worries you may have, and we'll text you back.
It's available to those who live in Bracknell, Wokingham, Reading and West Berkshire.
Find out more about our Health Visiting and School Nursing teams.
Parents and carers of children aged 0-5
Perhaps you have some worries about breastfeeding or bottle feeding, child development, toileting, sleep, behaviour, parenting, food and nutrition, or their health. Text us and we'll help you.
Text 07312 263283
If you need to make or change an appointment, please contact your local health visiting team.
This telephone number is not for professionals who need to speak to the Health Visiting Service. Please use your normal method of contact.
If you're the parent or carer of a 5-19 year old
If you’re a parent or carer of a 5-19 year old and have worries about any issues with your child such as sleep, behaviour, bullying, parenting, healthy eating, bedwetting, dealing with medical conditions in school, emotional health and wellbeing... we’re here to support you. This telephone number is not for professionals who need to speak to the School Nursing Service. Please use your normal method of contact.Text 07312 263194
If you're aged 11-19
If you’re aged 11-19 and need some advice, you can text a school nurse in total confidence. It could be that you have worries about issues such as relationships, healthy eating, drugs and alcohol, anxiety, stress, low mood, bullying, self-harm, body changes, dealing with medical conditions at school, smoking or sleep.Text 07312 263266
The Health for Teens website (opens in new window) is a useful place to go to for information. This telephone number is not for professionals who need to speak to the School Nursing Service. Please use your normal method of contact.
We’ll never share the information you give us, unless we are really concerned about your safety, but we’ll usually speak to you first. Your messages are stored and can be seen by other health care staff who follow the same confidentiality rules. We aim to reply to you within one working day and you should get an immediate message back to confirm we have received your text. Texts will only be seen between Mon-Fri 9am-4.30pm. If you need help before you hear back from us contact your GP, nearest walk in centre or dial 111. Our text number does not receive voice calls or MMS picture messages. We support messaging from UK mobile numbers only (which does not include messages sent from landlines, international mobile numbers and some 'number masking' mobile apps). To prevent the health professional from sending messages to you, text STOP to our number. Messages are charged at your usual rates.