New helpline launches to support parents and carers in Leicestershire

The helpline, staffed by qualified health professionals, including health visitors and school nurses – as well as administrative specialists, is open to all parents and carers of babies up to primary school aged children in Leicestershire.

Helen Thompson, director of families, young people, children, learning disability and autism services at Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust, said: “We are really excited to open this helpline and give people more access to support provided by our fantastic, compassionate professionals.

“We know that sometimes questions or concerns can arise outside appointments with our practitioners. Now there is another way for people to reach out for support and speak to someone over the phone whenever they need some guidance or help from our services. From advice around babies’ sleep to moving onto solid foods, to emotional health advice for children and young people, callers can get an array of advice for non-urgent health and wellbeing topics.

“The helpline will complement our existing ‘Health For’ websites and innovative ChatHealth secure text messaging service. A lot of work has gone into setting up this helpline and we are proud of our dedicated team of professionals and their commitment to supporting the healthy development of children and young people in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.”

Callers can get confidential advice on topics including:

• feeding and nutrition for babies

• healthy eating

• child development

• emotional health

• behaviour difficulties and parenting concerns

• family health

• and much more.

The Healthy Together Helpline can be reached by calling 0300 300 3001. Calls are answered from 9am – 4.30pm on weekdays throughout the year, excluding bank holidays. Calls are charged at the same rate as calling a standard landline number.

The helpline will complement the existing ChatHealth confidential text messaging service, available to parents and carers of children aged 0-11 in Leicestershire and parents, carers and young people aged 0-19 in Leicester city. The service can be accessed by texting:

• 07520  615 381 – for those who live in Leicester

• 07520  615 382 – for parents and carers in Leicestershire and Rutland.

Please note the new helpline is not an emergency service: always ensure you call 999 or go to A&E if you are in an emergency and there is a threat to life. Call NHS 111 or visit NHS 111 online if you need immediate medical help.