Lifeline has begun developing Australia's first SMS-based crisis support service.
The national charity teamed up with Social Ventures Australia, a non-profit consulting firm, to develop Text4Good after statistics released in 2016 showed suicide rates had reached a more than 10-year high.
It will target people aged 15-44 and trials are expected to begin later this year.
"With more and more people communicating via SMS, in good times and bad, Text4Good has enormous potential to support people when and where help is most needed, in a way that is simple and accessible," Lifeline chief executive Pete Shmigel said.
It is hoped the service will be particularly effective for young men, who may be more likely to reach out via SMS rather than call a crisis line.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull announced $2.5 million in funding for Text4Good last year.
Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
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