Depression is a common form of mental illness

Susan and Stephen Whittell are to speak about depression during a conference in Bridlington on Thursday organised by Hull and East Yorkshire Mind.

Their son Roderick, 22, died in August last year when he jumped from a cliff shortly after leaving hospital.

The couple said they hoped "some good can come from his death."

'Dark times'

Mr Whittell, of Thornton Road, Bridlington, said: "Roderick had his dreams shattered when his eyesight deteriorated and he couldn't be a fighter pilot.

"He was depressed and had very dark times.

"We want something good to come out of Roderick's death and try to prevent other young lives being taken away needlessly. This issue needs talking about."

The workshop will look at depression and suicidal feelings and aims to highlight the help that is available to people.

Shirley Hester from Mind said: "There is so much that can be done to prevent the tragic loss of life by suicide through raising awareness among employees, teachers, friends, family and healthcare workers and not least encouraging people to find a trusted person to talk to.