The Oxfordshire-based service has three numbers – each aimed at meeting the needs of specific groups. These are parents of children aged 0-4, parents of children aged 5-11 and young people themselves aged 11-19. Messages will be assigned to the most appropriately skilled healthcare professional rostered for the service that day.

The first two lines are called ‘Oxfordshire Parentline 0-4years or 5-11years’ and ChatHealth for 11-19 years is a service for holiday times for young people who attend school, as we have school health nurses in secondary schools and colleges. It is also available all year round to young people aged 11-19 who are educated at home.

The service for parents of children aged 0-4 years Parentline is currently the busiest ChatHealth service in the country and the 5-11 years and 11-19 year lines are also performing solidly.

Carole Jones, Operational Manager for Health Visiting 0-5 years Public Health Service, said: “We are delighted with the response so far and to be helping so many people across the age ranges. The feedback we are receiving from our clients has been incredibly positive.

“All three lines offer really easy access to offer help and support to parents and young people and we are delighted with the uptake and response.

“Whether you are a parent or young person who need some advice or support, the help you need is just a text away.”

The numbers are: ParentLine for parents of 0-4 year olds, 07312 263081, ChatHealth for young people aged 11-19 07312 263084 and ParentLine for parents of 5-11 year olds 07312 263227.

There are also direct links to service information on the ChatHealth website:

• https://chathealth.nhs.uk/start-a-chat/h/OxfordHealthVisitors
• https://chathealth.nhs.uk/start-a-chat/h/OxfordSchoolHealthNurses
• https://chathealth.nhs.uk/start-a-chat/h/OxonTeens

The rostered health visitor or school nurse responding to the text will either provide information, advice or signpost the client to the appropriate services or sources of information.