Drop-in
School health drop-in sessions are held in school, usually during lunchtime or after school (for a virtual/ video chat ).
There are no appointments, you can simply access and speak with a school nurse on the day.
Young people may also bring a friend if they wish, as we know meeting someone new for the first time can be a daunting experience.
This provides a confidential safe space within school (or virtually) to speak with one of the school health team to discuss any issues affecting physical or emotional health.
Currently, we offer a virtual drop in service every Thursday, between 4pm and 5pm, for young people aged between 12 and 19.
Just scan the QR code on our main page or call 0191 282 3319. All you need is a smart phone, tablet or computer with internet connection and a private space to talk. You do not need to set up an account, no personal information is stored and it’s a quick and easy way to have that face to face support in your own environment.
If you are a young person and this is not possible at home, then speak with your school who may be able to let us know you wish to talk with us.
Or if you are a young person aged 11-19 in Newcastle, then you can text a school nurse, anonymously if you prefer, using our Chat Health service on 07312 263053. You questions can then be answered via the anonymous text, or we can arrange a video chat.
Our nurses work during normal office hours and all through the school holidays.
1:1 appointments
Young people have the option to access 1:1 sessions (or 1:2 if they want to bring a trusted friend) at any point within their school life, whether it’s for a confidential chat to mull something over, or for something more complex.
We can offer support and guidance on range of health issues, such as advice with relationships (eg sexual health, healthy relationship concerns or bullying), identity exploration (sexual or gender), healthy lifestyles (eg drugs, alcohol or smoking), emotional health and wellbeing (eg exam pressures, bereavement), and any general health concerns.
We aim to help young people to build resilience and manage difficult situations and stress for future.
Referrals can be submitted from GPs, parents / carers, teachers, social workers, friends and other ways, as well as the young person themselves.
Our school health teams are governed by NHS confidentiality policies, to developing trust and enhance the working relationship between young people and their school health worker.
The young person is always assessed for competence and capacity. If deemed competent (usually around the age 13), the parent or legal guardian may not always be aware that support is being provided, but the young person is always advised to discuss support with a parent or other trusted adult.
If the nurse feels that the young person is at risk, then the nurse will follow essential safeguarding policies to keep them safe. This is explained to the young person at every meeting and before support is offered.
School nursing services are available Monday to Friday – 08.30am – 4pm – by calling the single point of access on 0191 282 3319.
Useful links
Mental health advice and counselling: Kooth
