More than 500 text messages have been sent to a confidential sexual health advice line for young people in Leicestershire since the start of the year.
The POP (Pop in. Catch On) service has been run by the Leicestershire and Rutland Community Safer Sex Project since it was launched three years ago.
Leicestershire teenage pregnancy co-ordinator Katie Phillips said they had noticed an increase in the number of young people using the service.
"We recognise that it can sometimes be difficult for young people to get answers to questions or concerns at the time that they need them.
"The increase in texts received month to month shows that for many young people this service is providing valuable support.
"This service does not replace the many young-people-friendly services across the county but offers young people an added means for receiving information and advice."
Topics dealt with have included relationship concerns, advice on how to access local services and more specific enquiries about contraception or sexual health worries.
The text service is part of the county's Teenage Pregnancy Strategy which has been delivered by partners such as Leicestershire County Council, NHS Leicestershire County and Rutland PCT and Connexions Leicestershire.
Support workers based in the county reply to messages within an hour and continue the informal text dialogue to ensure the teenager gets the advice and information they need.
The helpline can be contacted on 07814 877 859. For more on the Leicestershire Teenage Pregnancy Partnership visit:
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