A SERVICE to help men who suffer violence at the hands of female partners is proving a success.

David Regan, a community worker at the Cockerton and Branksome Living Enterprise (Cable), in Darlington, set up the Men's Advice Line Enquiries (Male) helpline, which is already helping callers.

Mr Regan said: "Domestic violence is not exclusively a woman's issue. There is a huge problem with suicide among men, particularly young men, and it is not just about domestic violence.

"It's because they don't know where to turn or how to ask for help about other things, too."

He decided to set up the service because a friend had gone through a similar experience but could not find help.

He attended a training course and contacted Darlington Domestic Violence Forum, which is backing Male.

He received £5,000 to set up the service, and is released from his duties at Cable for several hours a week to concentrate on developing it.

Mr Regan can also help men with health problems, divorce and custody problems.

He holds drop-in sessions on Mondays from 10am to noon and on Fridays from noon to 2pm at First Stop, Tubwell Row, Darlington. The helpline will be answered between those times on (01325) 248986, or there is a 24-hour message service.

Male is looking for volunteers. For more information ring Mr Regan on (01325) 354084.