School Nurses spend time in every school in Surrey. School Nurses help children with all sorts of physical health and emotional wellbeing concerns like anxiety, self-harm, bereavement, sleep issues, illnesses, sexual health, healthy eating, exam stress and bullying. Ask to speak to your School Nurse if you have any worries. They might also put you in touch with other staff who can help.
Whilst the School Nurse role is primarily about public health advice, support and education, they also meet children and young people regularly at school drop-ins and hold caseloads of children needing extra help.
Many young people are seeking support from the nurses regarding their emotional wellbeing and all nurses have completed their Mental Health First Aid training, in order to provide well informed and appropriate support. This, together with their wealth and depth of experience, makes them an excellent frontline, early support resource to both the young people and the school.
More information can be found at Children and Family Health Surrey.
Children and young people can access the nurses via their school and also via an online advice service promoted within every school, called ChatHealth.
ChatHealth
Across Surrey, there is a text service called ChatHealth, a confidential school nurse messaging service for young people aged 11-19. Young people can contact their school nurse in confidence by text. The ChatHealth text number is: 07507 329 951. Young people can also call an advice line to get in touch with a school nurse.
All of the issues discussed are confidential unless a child's safety, or that of others, is at risk. The school nurses will always encourage young people to discuss issues with their parents or guardians.
Safe Space Health website
There is also a health and wellbeing website www.safespacehealth.uk for Surrey students aged 11 to 14. The website provides physical, emotional and wellbeing health promotion information in an accessible, fun and interactive way.
Information for GPs and other professionals
GPs and other professionals can contact the School Nurses by contacting the local 0-19 clinics or the Surrey-wide 0-19 Advice Line on 01883 340922. The advice line is available from 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday, excluding bank holidays, and provides support on child health, development and parenting.