It is aimed at helping young people during difficult times such as before and during exams and around results times.

Like all Samaritan services it is completely confidential to the organisation.

The text alert service will provide people with contact details for the Samaritans. It will give people a telephone number and an email address giving people two options to get in touch.

Then at various times of year, which are traditionally difficult for young people, such as in the run up to exams a reminder text will be sent for ongoing support.

To avail of the service you can register by texting SAM 51500.

Samaritans recognise that sometimes it can be difficult for young people to talk to their friends or family about worries and would urge them to get in touch.

Samaritans are in operation 24 hours per day and can be contacted via telephone, email or face to face. Volunteers offer a listening ear and emotional support. They do not give advice or judge people and they allow callers to make their own decisions.

Parents, schools and young people themselves are being encouraged to circulate the text for information about Samaritans, so that they can help people who need their support.

The Derry Branch of Samaritans is at 16 Clarendon Street and it is open from 10am-10pm daily for face-to-face callers.

The telephone number for the centre is 71 265511.