Text Service Celebrates First Birthday

TextVibe was launched by Darlington Borough Council Leisure, Arts and Youth Services on June 1 2005.

The scheme allows any young person who is registered, to receive information about events in the Darlington area as well as the chance to have their say about life in Darlington and how it could be improved.

In its first year, the service has been used to let its members know about various events around the Borough including music and sports events and activities during the school holidays.

Messages were also sent out about this year’s Youth MP elections which were the town’s most popular ever.

Other organisations such as bereavement counselling and First Stop Darlington have also used Textvibe to let young people know about the services they provide.

As well as giving out information, Textvibe was set up as a way for young people to have their say on important messages.

In the last year, members have been texted a number of questions and their answers have helped shape some of the decisions made in the town.

Chris McEwan, Darlington Council Cabinet member for Children’s Services said: "I am really pleased that hundreds of young people have taken the opportunity to join this great service in its first year.

“Many young people have mobile phones so Textvibe is an excellent way to communicate with  them and, more importantly find out their views on important subjects. I hope more young people take this first birthday as an opportunity to see for themselves what Textvibe has to offer.”

Any young person can sign up for TextVibe as long as they register.

Registration forms are available at the Youth Service at the Town Hall, the Dolphin Centre or at any council-run youth club in the Darlington Borough.

The TextVibe service if free to join and no charges are made to receive texts. Any replies sent by members will be charged at their normal text message rate.

To register on-line