LAUNCH OF NEW TEXT-A-NURSE SERVICE
Posted on 25th February 2021 | News
The Department of Education for Northern Ireland has this week launched a new Text-a-Nurse service for young people aged 11-19.
The service aims to provide young people with a secure and confidential text messaging service 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 young people will be managed by the local school nurse team using the ChatHealth web platform.
The service is available 9am to 5pm during the week in both term time and school holidays (excluding bank holidays). It 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
School nurses will respond to all messages within 24 hours Monday to Friday.
The Text-a-Nurse service may be accessed using the following phone numbers:
Northern Trust Text –A-Nurse: 07480 635982
Southern Trust Text –A-Nurse: 07507 328057
Western Trust Text-A-Nurse: 07480 635984
South Eastern Trust Text –A-Nurse: 07507 327263