Samaritans has suspended its Twitter monitoring application a week and a half after it launched, for “further consideration” following criticism from mental health campaigners.

In a statement on Friday the charity said: “We are very aware that the range of information and opinion which is circulating about Samaritans Radar, has created concern and worry for some people and would like to apologise to anyone who has inadvertently been caused any distress. This was not our intention.”

Samaritans said it would engage with the mental health sector and others to “evaluate the feedback and get further input”.

The charity said it had not abandoned the project, and added: “We will also be testing a number of potential changes and adaptations to the app to make it as safe and effective as possible for both subscribers and their followers.”

Once authorised by Twitter users the Samaritans Radar app monitored their Twitter feed for key phrases that could indicate that someone they follow is struggling with mental health issues. It then sent an email alerting the user to the tweet and offering guidance on how to respond.

Soon after it was launched a number of Twitter users expressed concern that the app contravened data protection legislation over the collection and distribution of personal data.

The charity said it is in discussions with the Information Commissioners' Office and has taken legal advice which led it to conclude that the app complied with the Data Protection Act.

There were also concerns that the app could be abused and lead to cyberbullying.