From Monday 15 January 2024, we have introduced a quick and easy way for young people and parents / carers to contact Health Visitors and School Nurses in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
Advice lines
Young people 11-19
- Young people aged 11-19 poster
- Text 07312 263 096
Parents / carers of children 0-5
- Parents / carers of children aged 0-5 poster
- Text 07312 263 423
Parents / carers of children and young people 5-19
- Parents / carers of children and young people aged 5-19 poster
- Text 07312 263 499
Users can send a text message, anonymously if they wish, to Health Visiting and School Nursing to get confidential help and advice about a range of health concerns, including:
- Sleep
- Child development
- Support with behaviour
- Toileting
- Feeding and nutrition
- Keeping safe and healthy
- Childhood illnesses and support with medical conditions at school
- Emotional, mental health and wellbeing
- Relationships
- Smoking and vaping
- Drugs and alcohol
The text messaging service is available Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays) from 9am to 5pm. When a text message is sent to the numbers, an automated reply confirms the message has been received. A trained healthcare professional will reply to the message during office hours within 48 hours.
Alternatively you can contact the service by:
- Telephone: 01872 324261
- Email: hvsnadvice@cornwall.gov.uk
Please note that this will not be an emergency service. Urgent health advice should be sought from an NHS walk-in centre or by calling NHS 111. In an emergency, dial 999 or go to A&E.
ChatHealth has been widely implemented at several NHS Trusts and healthcare organisations across the UK. It was developed by 2013 by an NHS Trust to offer more choice in how people can get help from local trained health staff in their area. In other areas where it is used young people say they feel more comfortable talking about their issues in a discreet message, whilst parents and carers say messaging is more convenient way to ask quick questions.
