Our ChatHealth text messaging service puts you directly in touch with a member of the health visiting or school nursing teams for advice and information. You don't need to give your name and you'll be able to get confidentual advice and information straight to your phone, about any concerns you might have about the health of your baby or child.
And if you're aged 11-19, we have a dedicated number for you too. Text us in confidence about any worries you may have, and we'll text you back.
It's available to those who live in Bracknell, Wokingham, Reading and West Berkshire. ChatHealth doesn’t receive images or pictures. Please be aware that it is not a live chat session and we will aim to respond to all messages within 24 hours.
ChatHealth is not for professionals who need to speak to the Health Visiting or School Nursing Service. Please use your normal method of contact.
Find out more about our Health Visiting and School Nursing teams.
Perhaps you have some worries about breastfeeding or bottle feeding, child development, toileting, sleep, behaviour, parenting, food and nutrition, or their health. You might find it helpful to look at the information on the Your Baby and You page.
This telephone number is not for professionals who need to speak to the Health Visiting Service. Please use your normal method of contact.
Bracknell: 0300 365 6000 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.30pm)
Wokingham: 0300 365 7000 (Mon-Fri 9am-2pm)
Reading: 0118 904 7100 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.30pm)
West Berkshire: 0300 303 3944 (Mon-Fri 9am-4.30pm)
The Health for Teens website (opens in new window) is a useful place to go to for information. This telephone number is not for professionals who need to speak to the School Nursing Service. Please use your normal method of contact.
We’ll never share the information you give us, unless we are really concerned about your safety, but we’ll usually speak to you first. Your messages are stored and can be seen by other health care staff who follow the same confidentiality rules. We aim to reply to you within one working day and you should get an immediate message back to confirm we have received your text. Texts will only be seen between Mon-Fri 9am-4.30pm. If you need help before you hear back from us contact your GP, nearest walk in centre or dial 111. Our text number does not receive voice calls or MMS picture messages. We support messaging from UK mobile numbers only (which does not include messages sent from landlines, international mobile numbers and some 'number masking' mobile apps). To prevent the health professional from sending messages to you, text STOP to our number. Messages are charged at your usual rates.