FRIENDS of a man who committed suicide have organised an event to raise awareness around mental and emotional health in his memory.

'Psyched' will be held in memory of Nathan Cruise, from Colne, who took his own life in June at the age of 23.

The all-day party which aims to ‘turn up the volume on mental health’ has been organised by Nathan’s friends William Smith, Nicole Forrest and Pete Compo.

Mr Smith said: “Five months ago I lost a best mate. I’m 24 and this is the second friend of mine who has done this.

“Part of the reason we’re doing this is to make his mum proud and let her know that he was not a recluse and lonely.

“He had his demons like we all do but he had a good group of friends around him, yet he felt like he couldn’t talk about it.

“We want to encourage people to talk about their feelings, to talk about their mental and emotional health.

“I think mental health is a massive issue, but before we started organising this I had no idea.

“I can’t believe the amount of people who have come up to me and said they are having problems or feeling suicidal.”

The event will include live performances by local band from 12pm followed by a mental health panel with members including the Pendle branch of Samaritans, a member of the mental health advocacy and a practitioner of alternative therapies.

Mr Smith said the panel will look at how to spot if someone is struggling and how to help them.

Mr Smith said: "I think people are becoming more aware of mental health issues and there is less prejudice than there once was.

“I never thought I would have any involvement with mental health awareness.

“I just want to know the best way to help someone who is struggling, and I think it’s important that people learn how to talk about these things.

“There could be another Cruise in a group of friends that needs help.”

The event will be at The Venue in Colne on Saturday from 12pm and is open to anyone.

Entry will be charged at £5 per person and all proceeds will be donated to Samaritans.