A FORMER Durham University student who took his own life is remembered this week by the launch of a pioneering website.

The Students Against Depression website has been sponsored by the Charlie Waller Memorial Trust.

The site provides comprehensive, easy-to-understand information about depression and advice on how to get help and support.

The trust was set up by the parents of Mr Waller, who killed himself eight years ago.

It is believed that the Berkshire student began to suffer from depression during his time at university.

After graduating from Durham he established himself as a successful London-based advertising executive and appeared to be enjoying life.

But under a carefree exterior he was fighting the demons of clinical depression.

His parents, Appeal Court judge Sir Mark Waller and Lady Rachel Waller, were devastated when their eldest son was found dead in his fume-filled car in woods near the family's Berkshire home.

After his death, the Waller family, helped by friends and well-wishers, set up a memorial trust in their son's name.

While the trust's existing website carried information about depression, the new website is specifically aimed at students, particularly the new crop of first years who will shortly be leaving home for the first time.

Charlie's uncle, North Yorkshire public relations executive Robert Beaumont, is also a big supporter of the trust and hopes the website will help young people to cope with depression.

Denise Meyer, the former acting head of counselling at the Royal Holloway University of London and the website developer, said: "This website offers far more than the minimal information and signposting services that are often found on the Internet in this area.

"It aims to provide a comprehensive self-help resource, while also attempting to combat some of the barriers preventing young people from seeking professional help."

The Students Against Depression website (www.studentdepression.org) has been sponsored by the Charlie Waller Memorial Trust, a depression-focused charity, and is run in conjunction with the heads of University Counselling Services group of AUCC (Association for University and College Counselling). It is supported by the National Union of Students.