Write text message reminder templates

For admins. Saving a template does not switch text messages on. That is done under modules.

Steps

1. Open Admin, then SMS templates.
2. Under Add template, type a Name you will recognise.
3. Write the message in Body. Keep it short and friendly.
4. Add the details people need by using the placeholders listed on the page.
5. Set how many hours before the session the text goes out.
6. Press the button to add it. It then appears under Active templates.
7. To change one, edit it and press Save. Use Archive when you no longer want it sent.

If it goes wrong

• If templates cannot load, use the reload link before editing.
• A misspelt placeholder shows as blank in the text. Check the list on the page.
• If nothing is sent, check text messages are switched on under modules.

What the templates do

A template is the wording of an appointment reminder text and when it is sent. You can have several.

Saving a template does not set up text delivery for your organisation. Delivery depends on the text message module being on.

Placeholders

The page lists the details you can drop into a text. They are the first name of the person, the date, the time, the place and the worker's name.

An unknown placeholder renders as empty. A typo will not leak the raw code into the message, but the detail will be missing.

Timing

The number of hours before sets when the reminder goes. Pick a time people can act on, not the middle of the night.

Active and archived

Active templates are in use. Archived ones are kept but not sent. Archive instead of deleting, so you can look back.

Keeping texts safe

Never include safeguarding detail, a diagnosis or a full address. Assume the phone could be seen by someone else.

How it links together

Templates feed the reminders sent for planned sessions. Replies come back into a text conversation that staff read and answer from the inbox.

Whether texts go at all is decided on the modules page. See the guides on replying to a text message and turning parts of the service on and off.