Manchester Health Visitors launch ChatHealth Parentline service
The service is run by local Health Visitors who have the skills and wealth of experience of working with local families. ChatHealth Parentline is confidential, quick and easy, anonymous and non-judgemental. From research, parents using the service found it easier to ask for help and less embarrassing to ask for health advice on personal issues by text than in person or over the phone.
The ChatHealth Parentline Health Visiting Team are able to support with questions generated by text message to a single number from parents, carers and families relating to a wide range of health and wellbeing issues including parenting advice and support, sleep, continence, immunisations, mental health, minor illness, speech, behaviour, temper tantrums, infant feeding, diet & exercise, school readiness, child development and more.
The experienced friendly team can signpost to appropriate services and other support.
How ChatHealth Parentline works
- Text the dedicated number 07480 635 892
- The messages are then delivered to a secure website and a health visitor will be able to provide a response to the text
- The Health Visiting team responds to texts within one working day
- The service operates Monday to Friday 8.30am – 4.30pm (excluding bank holidays). Out of these opening times, anyone who texts ChatHealth
Parentline will receive an automated message with advice on where to get help if their question is urgent.
ChatHealth Parentline runs alongside the normal health visiting service. Parents and carers can continue to contact their health visitor in person or by telephone.
For more information, visit the Manchester Local Care Organisation Health Visitors Facebook and Instagram pages below:
www.facebook.com/mlcohealthvisitors
www.instagram.com/mlcohealthvisitors
