The Downtown Mission in Windsor is launching a new service aimed at preventing teen suicide.
Executive Director Ron Dunn says hurting individuals needing support can reach out for help by texting 147147 or 741741 or chat online at the Downtown Mission's website.
Dunn feels the new text and chat service will better target the younger population.
"It's how it is right? My own kids don't call me, they text me," says Dunn. "So, we just feel like it's a better way or at least another way for them to reach out."
The service is being launched to combat the 143% increase in teen suicide attempts in Windsor-Essex seen from 2010 to 2015.
Dunn says the new text and online chat service will give teens in crisis another outlet of support.
"Mostly they need to know they're not alone, that there's help available to them. It's a free service. It's anonymous. We're going to just help you," says Dunn. "There's another option. Suicide is not the answer."
Through the province-wide program, staff are able to respond to text or chat from 2pm to 2am each day.
