22 July 2020

A new text messaging health service is being launched to provide help and support to young people in Milton Keynes and make it easier for them to get advice.

CNWL – the provider of mental health and community NHS services in Milton Keynes – will be launching ChatHealth next week.

This new service will provide young people with advice and support about a range of health and wellbeing issues and improve their access to health care.

From 27 July anyone aged 11-19 in Milton Keynes will be able to get advice and support on a range of issues such as bullying, emotional health and wellbeing, sexual health as well as illnesses by texting a nurse on 07480 635517. They can also find out about local services including emotional support or sexual health services.

These queries will be delivered to a secure website. Once there, texts will be responded to by the Milton Keynes ChatHealth Nursing Team within one working day.

Gillian Botha, Service Manager for the Milton Keynes 0 – 19 Service that is providing the new texting service said: “We are really pleased to be able to offer ChatHealth to young people in Milton Keynes. It will make accessing health services easier and quicker for them.”

Young people have said they like using the messaging service because it is:

> Less embarrassing

> Quick and easy

> Anonymous

> Non-judgmental

ChatHealth is an award-winning secure, anonymous and confidential text messaging service for young people aged 11-19 years, available Monday to Friday from 9am to 4.30 pm (automatic bouncebacks respond to incoming messages out of hours).

For medical help and advice outside of these hours please contact your GP or call 111.