A free crisis text line saves two young lives in Manitoba every day.

Kim Mardero, Manitoba Manager for Kids Help phone, explains the service has enacted a number of active rescues for those actively attempting suicide but who've still taken one last effort to reach out. Youth who text TALK to 686868 on any text/SMS enabled cell phones are connected to a volunteer Crisis Responder who will be able to help. The service does not require a data plan, internet connection or app, and is especially relevant for young people living in remote areas, where internet service can be limited.

The text service was pioneered in Manitoba last year and is now rolling out to the rest of Canada. Mardero notes the trial period saw a positive response with 14,000 texting conversations. "We know that young people are welcoming the service and are reaching out regularly."

"It allows them an opportunity to reach out... it could be 2:00 a.m and someone will respond," Mardero says.

She adds Manitoba was chosen as a test region because of its sampling size, cultural diversity and mix of urban and rural centres.

While the help line is aimed at youth, approximately 25 percent of the users are aged 18-24. "We're seeing the post-secondary students who are maybe going through a stressful time."