Coventry Teenagers are a txt away from Advice.

The city teenagers are just a txt away from advice and support with the launch of a special new service. The Coventry Mission in Deedmore Road, Wood End, has introduced Text Line for teenagers to get advice from experts after sending just one text.

The Christian charity ran a four-month pilot for the scheme in 2008. More than 50 young people have contacted the team for help, which had led to the service being rolled out permanently.
Blue Coat School pupil, 16-year-old Daisy Milburn, helped launch the service after her winning design inspired by Love Heart sweets was chosen to promote Text Line across Coventry.

John Pither, deputy director of the Coventry Mission, said: “This has been designed by a young person to attract people to the service so it should relate to young people.
“We liked the love hearts theme which seems an attractive way to present the service.

“Text Line is the first point of contact for young people to get help if they want to it be totally anonymous and confidential.
“Some young people have other people they can talk to and trust, but often they bottle it all up inside, so it is better if they can get reassurance from someone through an anonymous service.
“Sometimes it is easier getting an answer from someone they don’t know and then we help them along and put them in touch with other agencies or support groups.”

Coventry Mission secured £9,000 funding to advertise and run the service, the text line was then able to become permanent.
The service offers young people advice on everything from bullying and pregnancy to family problems and eating disorders. It is an anonymous and confidential texting service.
A team of experienced and trained people will be on hand to respond to the text messages within a few hours of receiving them. They will then offer advice to the sender or put them in touch with another agency or support group.

A commercial for the service has also been produced by Year 10 pupils from the Grace Academy in Wigston Road.
People can send a message to Text Line on 07797 801861.

Sourced: Coventry Telegraph