A texting service for schoolkids suffering with mental health issues is preparing for a rise in the number of people using it.

With summer holidays starting, Virgin Care is getting ready to support and advise kids using its confidential ChatHealth service over the break.

The service, for those aged 11 to 19, operates across east and central Lancashire, allows young people to text their school nurse for advice on everything from smoking, alcohol and drug abuse to bullying, problems with friends or family, self-harm and puberty.

Available from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm and while it is not a new service, Virgin Care said it is concerned about young people who may feel they have had no one to turn to for confidential help during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Charlotte Forward, professional lead for public health nursing and school age immunisations, said: “Our ChatHealth service provides important help and advice to young people whatever they may be facing.

“This school year has been a stressful time for many, with schools closed or partly open in the last few weeks. It is extremely important that young people know that while they may not have had school friends or teachers around as much as they are used to, we are here if they want to speak to someone.”