Distress Centre to add text message support in new year

The Distress Centre of Windsor-EssexCounty will addtexting services in the new year for those who need emotional support.

Introducing theservice will help reach younger people who might be more inclined to reach out through texts.

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The centre's volunteer trainer, EmilySchurter,predicts the service will be popular among young people.

"Often times things we don't say to people face to face, a lot of people feel more comfortable in describing through text," she said.

The centre receives up to 300 calls a month, according toRukshiniPonniah-Goulin, director of operations at the Distress Centre, which operates out of the Downtown Mission.

She says textingwill allow people to be more candid.

"I also feel that it may add a level of privacy. A lot of times people might be unable to make a phone call because of who might hear them, being at home with family," she said.