An innovative text messaging service for young people has launched across North Yorkshire thanks to the local NHS clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) and Compass BUZZ.
Compass BUZZ is a free project that aims to improve the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people aged 11-18 – or up to 25 years for those with special educational needs and disability – in North Yorkshire.
This new confidential service, officially named BUZZ US, is for young people to help support any mental health and wellbeing issues.
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By texting the service on 07520 631168 they will be able to receive confidential advice, support and signposting from a wellbeing worker within one day via text.
Lisa Gale, service manager for Compass BUZZ North Yorkshire said: “Compass BUZZ is committed to ensuring the safety of young people. Before launching the service, we consulted with other text messaging services, police and local safeguarding to make sure that young people will receive the correct advice and support when they need it.”
The text service has launched in time for Time to Talk Day (1 February 2018) which encourages all of us to be more open about mental health – to talk, to listen, to change lives.
NHS Hambleton, Richmondshire and Whitby CCG (HRW CCG) leads the commissioning of children and young people’s health services on behalf of Vale of York CCG, Harrogate and Rural District CCG and Scarborough and Ryedale CCG.
Dr Charles Parker, local GP and Clinical Chair at HRW CCG said: “On behalf of all North Yorkshire CCGs I am so pleased to see the launch of this new service. Trying to help young people feel safe and empowered to speak-up for their own mental health and wellbeing is so important. This new service will hopefully give them the confidence to share any concerns and ask advice if they feel they can’t ask anyone they already know.”
The service is open Monday – Thursday 9am-5pm and Friday 9am-4.30pm (excluding Bank Holidays).
The BUZZ US text number is 07520 631168.
Please contact 01609 777662 or freephone 0800 008 7452 for further information on the service.
