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TORONTO – Young Canadians now have access to mental health support through a free bilingual text messaging service offered by Youth, Listening across the country.
The charity introduces the option of providing 24/7 SMS support through a service partnership with the US-based telephone hotline and technology pioneer. United, Crisis Text Line.
A pilot project launched in February in Manitoba and some provinces recorded more than 13,000 texting conversations between youth seeking help and volunteers in crisis situations.
The pilot study showed that anxiety, interpersonal relationships and feeling of isolation were the most common problems among young people. Twenty-four percent of the textators reached out because of suicidal thoughts.
The confidential service is available by texting TALK at 686868 for an English speaking answering machine and TEXTO at 686868 to contact a French speaking counselor with any SMS / SMS compatible cell phone.
The SMS service does not require any data plan, internet connection or application. For many young people, a lack of privacy, an unreliable Internet and limited data packages make it difficult to communicate over the phone.
"As we move forward in the national roll-out, we are still boldly changing the virtual care landscape, knowing that tomorrow's Canada depends on how we respond to the mental health needs of our youth," said Katherine Hay, President and Chief Executive Officer. of Youth, I'm listening.
In addition to the SMS option, online phone and chat services remain essential programs of Youth, Listening, providing anonymous and confidential professional advice to youth across Canada.
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