# Chat and private messages

**URL:** <https://developer.community.nhs.uk/t/chat-and-private-messages/11927>\
**Category:** What is the Developer Community?\
**Created:** [30 April 2026 13:49 UTC](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/t/chat-and-private-messages/11927 "2026-04-30T13:49:06Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Kevin\_Wiltshire](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/c57346/32.png) [@Kevin\_Wiltshire](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/u/Kevin_Wiltshire)\
**Post date:** [30 April 2026 13:49 UTC](https://developer.community.nhs.uk/t/chat-and-private-messages/11927/1 "2026-04-30T13:49:06Z")

</div>

## **Chat threads (channels)**

Chat threads are open chat channels that any member with access to that channel can read and join.

### **Visibility**

Messages are visible to all members who have access to the channel. Some channels may be open to everyone, while others may be limited to specific groups (such as moderators or product teams).

### **Participation**

Any member with access to the channel can take part in the discussion.

### **Use cases**

Public threads are best for group discussions, quick questions, live conversations, or informal chat.

### **Privacy**

These messages are not private. All members in the channel can read and search the chat history, unless messages have been deleted according to retention rules.

### **Threading**

Chat messages can be threaded. Replies appear under the original message to keep discussions organised.

### **Retention**

Messages in public channels are usually short‑lived. The default retention is 90 days, although administrators can change this.

## **Private chat (direct messages)**

Private chat is used for confidential conversations.

To start a private chat:

1. Go to DMs and select the **+** icon.
2. Enter ‘@’ and then start typing the name of the person you want to message.
3. Choose the person’s name from the list.
4. Start chatting at the bottom of the screen.

### **Visibility**

Only the participants you invite can view the messages.

### **Participation**

You can create one‑to‑one chats or group DMs with multiple participants.

### **Use cases**

Use private chat for confidential, sensitive or personal discussions that are not suitable for public channels.

### **Privacy**

Private chats are fully restricted. Only invited users can read, search or reply.

### **Threading**

Threaded replies are available in private chat, just as in public channels.

### **Retention**

Direct messages are kept indefinitely unless they are deleted by participants.

### **Group chat**

You can create a private group chat with multiple participants.

To create a group chat:

1. Go to DMs and select the + icon.
2. Choose **New group chat**.
3. Add a name for the group (optional).
4. Add the participants.
5. Select **Create group chat**.

Everyone in the group will appear in the members list, and messages will stay private to that group.