STUDENTS who feel depressed or overwhelmed can now seek help with a new text service.

Young people moving to Sussex for university this week can access round-the-clock digital help and receive text advice from a trained volunteer.

Students are at a higher risk of developing mental health problems, with many people first experiencing mental health issues or first seeking help when they are at university, mental health charity Mind.

Moving to university will be the first time many students have lived away from home.

Young people who are anxious, stressed, depressed, or overwhelmed can text the word SUSSEX to 85258 for mental health support.

Dr Claire Woolcock, interim chief medical director for the Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, said: "We're delighted to partner with Shout to bring this service to Sussex and offer a digital solution which particularly serves the needs of young people.

"For students in particular who are navigating their way through the pressures of university life, having round the clock mental health support at their fingertips could be life-saving."

Nearly 30,000 students accessed the text messaging service nationally in 2021, with anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts identified as the main concerns., said the charity.

More than half of the students who contacted the service sought help between the hours of 8pm and 2am, highlighting the need for the 24-hour service.