What is CHAT?
CHAT is a free, confidential service for young people, aged 11 to 19 years.
CHAT stands for Confidential Help and Advice for Teens and currently includes services in secondary schools, GP practices who display the CHAT logo, and some Youth Service buildings.
CHAT services offer help and advice for young people on a range of issues relating to health, bullying, stress, drugs and alcohol, careers, relationships or whatever is on your mind.
Confidentiality statement
All CHAT services operate using the same confidentiality policy. This is:
Here to listen, not to tell.
CHAT is a confidential service. This means that you can discuss personal information in confidence with anyone who works within a CHAT service.
We will not discuss your information with anyone else without your permission. This includes parents and teachers.
We would only pass on any information in order to protect you or someone else from serious harm. Whenever possible, we would discuss this with you first.
No problem is too big or too small, we can put you in touch with a range of agencies who can help.
If you need personal advice, please refer to the appropriate service.
CHAT in GP practices
- Display the CHAT logo in their window.
- Young people can go to any CHAT GP practice even if they are not registered there for free sexual health advice and contraception (which includes condoms).
- Operate Condom distribution scheme (CDS)
CHAT in secondary schools
- Can only be accessed by young people attending that school.
- Is a confidential service that young people can refer themselves to.
- Is run by multi-agency teams including school nurse and/or other health professional, Youth Worker, Barnardos Support Workers, Connexions Workers and others.
- Provides help and advice on a wide range of holistic health and social issues e.g. emotional well-being, healthy eating, drug and alcohol advice, smoking cessation, sexual health and lifestyle advice.
- Young people can access for one-to-one advice, information or interactive displays.
- Typically CHAT operates one lunch-time per week.
- Condom distribution scheme (CDS) may be operated on-site where full agreement from school and governors has been given.
Resources available: