These include:
- worries about COVID-19 and the lockdown
- dealing with anxiety, emotions or anger
- bullying
- family and friendship issues
- body image and identity issues
- smoking, alcohol or drugs
- problems with sleeping
- advice on staying healthy
All texts will receive an automatic message explaining where to get help if the question or concern is urgent, and when they can expect a response.
ChatHealth is available 9.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday (except bank holidays) and the aim is to respond to texts with 24 hours.
If help is needed more urgently, users will be advised to contact their GP or call 111. Remember to dial 999 or visit A&E if it’s an emergency.
Nicki Ballard, Head of Nursing for Division 3, said: “Lots of young people are feeling anxious about COVID-19, struggling with home schooling or finding it difficult being at home.
“We want all 11 to 19 year olds to know that, even though you may not be in school, our team of school nurses are still here for you.
“ChatHealth enables you to share your worries in confidence with a school nurse who can provide advice and signposting to help prevent any problems becoming worse.”
Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing at Wolverhampton City Council added: “We recognise that this is such a difficult time for 11 to 19 year olds and the lockdown may be having a negative effect on their mental health.
“We want to encourage more young people to talk about how they’re feeling and share any worries they may have. ChatHealth provides an easy way to do that. All they have to do is text a message to 07507 332 631 to start a conversation with a school nurse.”
For more information, go to ChatHealth or follow us on Instagram @rwt_nhs or Twitter @RWT_NHS #ChatHealthWolves
