A YOUNG Dad killed himself because of the stress of trying to provide for two young families.

An inquest at Chelmsford Coronor’s Court recorded Kieron Callaghan, hanged himself in his garden on July 28 this year, five days before his baby girl was born.

Tino Callaghan, Southend councillor for Prittlewell ward on Southend Council, believes the 16-hour days his son worked trying to save for a deposit for a flat for his new family caused the depression which led to his death.

Tino spoke movingly about his son and vowed to start a campaign to make housing more affordable.

He said: “All this would never have occurred if we didn’t have such high rents at the moment.

“They are trying to squeeze every penny out of people who are trying to find properties to live in. I know of people who are using their benefits to top up their rents. I can’t understand why these rents have to keep going up and up.

“Properties are being bought up by investors so prices are going up and people can’t get mortgages any more becaused they are priced out of their range.

“Kieron was struggling to save for a deposit. He was working. He wasn’t a lad that sat still. He was traveling and working hard to save for a deposit on a home. I am going to make it my mission to start a campaign for lower rents.”

Police confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.

A toxicology test by doctors saw that he may well have taken cannabis before he died and showed levels of alcohol in his body.

At the inquest, senior Coronor Caroline Beasley-Murray, recorded a conclusion of suicide.

She said: “He sent his girlfriend a text message that caused concerns for his welfare.

“It appears this gentleman had various difficulties and was somewhat depressed. He intended to take his own life.”

Kieron, who had split with the child’s mother in January, was also expecting a child with his new partner.

He died in Burnham where he’d recently moved to from Southend with his partner.

Kieron also leaves behind his mother, sister, nephew and niece.

Young men are often the last to ask for help when they find themselves under pressure, according to the charity Calm.

Often their role is to be strong and to provide for young families and seeking help can be deemed a sign of weakness but it’s a mindset that is having tragic consequences.

However, there is help available if those suffering from depression and anxiety are brave enough to take the first step and let someone know how they are feeling.

Depression can manifest itself with feelings of worthlessness, irritability or anger, increased use of drugs and alcohol, low energy and negative thoughts. People will often hate themselves and see little hope for the future.

GPs are often the first port of call for help. Friends or others who have experienced depression can often help.

The Samaritans service is available round the clock, every single day of the year. It provides a safe place for anyone struggling to cope, whoever they are, however they feel, whatever life has done to them.

Please call 116123 (this is a free number and will not appear on your phone bill), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit www.samaritans.org to find details of the nearest branch.

Other sources of help include:

Internet – support groups like CALM, Depression Alliance and websites such as www.healthtalkonline.org are available to find out what others with depression have been through and how they dealt with everything.

A useful blog on recovery is http://therecoveryletters.blogspot.co.uk/ •Blue Pages – find out what works and does not work for depression:http://bluepages.anu.edu.au/treatments/what_works/ •Private talking therapists eg Google ‘Counselling Directory’.

Private counselling services cost money, although you can ask for a discount