Young Bradford men who feel suicidal can find help and advice at the end of the phone with the launch of a new helpline.

The Campaign Against Feeling Miserable (CALM) launches its new national helpline tomorrow.

The Department of Health initiative follows figures from the Office of National Statistics which show suicide is a close second to road accidents as the biggest killer of young men.

Yorkshire is in the top five worst-hit regions with 392 suicides among young men aged 15 to 24 in 1998.

Top entertainers, including DJ Judge Jules are backing the helpline, which offers free access to trained counsellors who can give advice and a friendly ear.

Judge Jules said: "Many of the younger kids don't even recognise when they're depressed, they just feel utterly useless.

"When you are down and depressed, you lose your perspective, and begin hating yourself. We all get depressed at some point in time, it's hell to go through, you need to talk to someone, you want to get help."

The helpline has been welcomed by John Greenwood, director of the Samaritans in Bradford.

"Young men have problems in opening up and talking about their problems. They feel they have to be macho and hide their emotions. They think young men don't cry, but of course we all know they do," he said.

"We don't have specific figures of suicide rates within the Bradford area but I do know that young men here, like anywhere else, can feel suicidal if they let their problems get on top of them.

"Obviously we are pleased that there is a helplinefor this specific problem, but if anyone wants to ring us we're also here 24 hours a day."

The north west currently has the country's worst suicide record with 612 deaths, followed by the South East with 573 for the same year.

Figures from ONS show 461 suicides among men aged 15 to 24 and 490 deaths caused by road accidents in the same group during 1998.

CALM was first piloted two years ago in Manchester. Counsellors there have taken nearly 15,000 calls, two thirds of which were from men. It now provides vital support for the city's men, many of whom are not seeking help elsewhere.

The launch party will be held at Cream in Liverpool tomorrow night. Guests from the music world include Pete Wylie, Eddie Lundon of band China Crisis, singer/songwriter Gary Christian and DJ Robin Jackson, plus special guests. The evening will be hosted by Anthony Wilson.

The CALM helpline is open every day from 5pm to 3am. The number is 0800 585858.

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