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 there are separate dedicated lines for young people aged 11-19 and those who are 11-19 and looked after, and those up to 25 who have left care.
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. ChatHealth doesn’t receive images or pictures. Please be aware that it is not a live chat session and we will aim to respond to all messages within 24 hours.
ChatHealth is not for professionals who need to speak to the Health Visiting or School Nursing Service. Please use your normal method of contact.
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. You might find it helpful to look at the information on the Your Baby and You page.
Text 07312 263283
This telephone number is not for professionals who need to speak to the Health Visiting Service. Please use your normal method of contact.
To make an appointment or speak to someone about your appointment, please call the relevant number below:
Bracknell: 0300 365 6000 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.30pm)
Wokingham: 0300 365 7000 (Mon-Fri 9am-2pm)
Reading: 0118 904 7100 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.30pm)
West Berkshire: 0300 303 3944 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.30pm)
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
This telephone number is not for professionals who need to speak to the School Nursing Service. Please use your normal method of contact.
The Health for Teens website (opens in new window) is a useful place to go to for information. The site may ask you to choose a location but if you select 'No thanks, just let me view the site' you will still be able to access all of the helpful content within the site.
If you are in care or a care leaver
If you’re aged 11-19, looked after 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
There is also a number for young people who have left care aged up to 25 years who are living in Reading, Wokingham or West Berkshire.Text 07312 263188
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.