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Posted on 25 Jan 2019

Parentline, a new text messaging service offering parents and carers across Nottinghamshire access to confidential health advice, launches today by the Trust's Healthy Family Teams.

With more and more people using hand held mobile devices, the new Parentline text messaging service is an easy way for parents and carers to confidentially ask for help about a range of issues, such as feeding and nutrition, emotional health and wellbeing, child development, behaviour difficulties and family health.  They can also find out how to access other local services for example, School Health Team, breastfeeding support or health visitor led sessions.

Parents and carers of children aged 0 -19 can contact the text messaging service for advice on Parentline 07520 619919.  The service does not replace face-to-face contact with Healthy Family Teams but aims to offer an alternative, accessible method of contact and a flexible way to provide support.

Peter Hunt, Divisional General Manager for Children and Young People’s Services for the Trust, said “This is a really welcome development for our service and will mean that parents and carers will have another way of contacting our teams for support, advice and signposting.”

Parentline is available from Monday to Friday 9.00am - 4.30pm excluding bank holidays.  Messages sent to the dedicated number are delivered to a secure website, and responded to by the Healthy Family Team. Texts are usually replied to within one working day.  Automatic replies will be sent to any messages received out of hours explaining where to get help if their question is urgent, and when they can expect a response.

Rhian Cope, Professional Service Lead for the Trust said “We are really pleased to be able to offer Parentline to parents and carers in the County. It will make accessing health services easier and more accessible for them, increasing our reach to all families, creating another platform for parents and carers to connect.”

Kerrie Adams, Senior Public Health and Commissioning Manager for Nottinghamshire County Council, said “We are delighted that this innovative new service, Parentline, will be available to families in Nottinghamshire, giving them easy access to support and advice through their local Healthy Family Teams.”

The Trust’s Healthy Family Teams comprise of multiple professionals trained in providing services to children aged 0-19 years and their families/carers across Nottinghamshire.  Their work includes giving advice on emotional health and wellbeing, infant feeding and healthy food choices, development, behaviour, self-esteem and relationships. They can provide one-to-one confidential appointments and hold drop in sessions in schools across the County.  

For more information contact Rhian Cope, Professional Service Lead - rhian.cope@nottshc.nhs.uk