THE Samaritans charity has launched a new smartphone and internet app to enable friends to support those in need who are posting disturbing comments on Twitter.

Friends of vulnerable people can download the free Samaritans’ Radar, which flags up distressed tweets selected tweeters have posted.

Sophisticated software identifies concerning words and phrases which might cause concern and sends out an email to friends.

It also offers guidance on providing support independently and through the organisation.

Joe Ferns, the Samaritans’ executive director of policy, research and development, said: “We know that people struggling to cope often go online looking for support, however, there is still so much we need to learn about why this happens and how we can make the online environment safer for vulnerable people.

“By not addressing this issue we run the risk of shutting these discussions down and driving them underground.

“ Instead we need to use tools such as Samaritans’ Radar to encourage people to look out for one another online, helping them to reach out and offer support.”

Ann Mooney, the chairman of mental health support charity SUNS, based in Victoria Road, thinks the app is an interesting experiment.

She said: “It sounds like it could be a useful system.

“I’m very old-fashioned though and prefer the listening line, which we run, where we give courtesy calls to people on our system to check that they’re okay, while we also encourage our patients to speak to their peers about their issues.

“I do have concerns though as people sometimes say flippant, off the wall statements, on social media which might not be a cry for help that could lead to things being misinterpreted.

“Also, this system could encourage people to post more concerning things to be indulged.

“But obviously, it is worth seeing how it goes and if it helps save lives that can only be a good thing.”

Patricia Cartes, Twitter’s global head of trust and safety outreach, thinks the new app is a step in the right direction.

She said: “We are delighted to see Samaritans using Twitter to create the Samaritans’ Radar app.

“Twitter actively forges partnerships with organisations in the field of online safety and digital citizenship, and the Samaritans have a longstanding reputation for supporting people in times of need.

“It is fantastic to see them extending this expertise and experimenting with ways of supporting people in the digital space."

More information about the app can be found at www.samaritansradar.org.