{"id":29781,"date":"2022-05-18T07:46:03","date_gmt":"2022-05-18T07:46:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tahrir2day.com\/news\/2022\/05\/18\/chathealth-text-service-launched-to-help-young-people-open-up\/"},"modified":"2022-05-18T07:46:03","modified_gmt":"2022-05-18T07:46:03","slug":"chathealth-text-service-launched-to-help-young-people-open-up","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tahrir2day.com\/news\/2022\/05\/18\/chathealth-text-service-launched-to-help-young-people-open-up\/","title":{"rendered":"ChatHealth text service launched to help young people ‘open up’"},"content":{"rendered":"
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An SMS system for 11-19 year olds who want help with health problems has been introduced. <\/b><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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ChatHealth is operated by Sirona Care and is available to students across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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It is hoped that young people will feel more confident addressing personal issues via text message rather than face to face.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Clevedon School’s deputy head of protection designate said they were “delighted” with the service.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Jess Underwood added, “We think it’s brilliant service.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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The confidential service is provided by school nurses who are trained in ChatHealth and can advise students or direct them to other services that may be able to help them further. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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It can provide advice on a range of issues including exam stress, self-esteem issues and other issues young people may encounter. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Pupils at Clevedon School agreed that asking for help would help them. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Amy said: “A lot of people have a hard time opening up in person because they feel less secure, while perhaps being able to message over the phone might make them feel a little more confident.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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“They can do it in their own time, in their own space, and talk to someone they don’t necessarily know but can trust.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Will said, “It’s good that we can just talk to someone out there that we don’t know but can trust and tell them how we’re feeling mentally.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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India said: “It’s good if you can’t reveal your feelings in person and if you have a hard time, you can just send a message and they will respond quickly.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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While Santina added, “It’s really amazing because it’s not just about saying how your feelings are.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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The service is open from Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. during the semester and school holidays, excluding public holidays.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Katy Green, Head of School Nursing at Sirona Care and Health said, “ChatHealth will allow us to expand our service with the same number of staff and support more young people in a safe way that is more convenient for them.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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