NEW Man, the caring, understanding, and sensitive character who

emerged in the 1980s, might account for the huge increase in young male

suicides in the last decade, the Samaritans said yesterday.

As the organisation celebrated its 40th anniversary, its chief

executive, Mr Simon Armson, said New Man often was confused.

''We have this concept of the New Man, but it seems that he is a

confused young man in as much that he is not quite sure how he is

supposed to behave, respond, or relate in different relationships,''

said Mr Armson.

New Man knows that certain behaviour is unacceptable, but is unable to

express his feelings and is confused when confronted with different

emotional demands -- from a girlfriend who just wants to be a friend, or

when he is with his male friends, who may have a more chauvinistic

outlook on life.

''Men find it more difficult to articulate their feelings of distress

and prefer to bottle it up,'' said Mr Armson.

''Sometimes this can prove to be disastrous. Women find it easier to

explain and to put things into perspective.''

In England and Wales there was another increase in suicides last year,

and the Samaritans' greatest concern was the rise among males aged

15-24.

In 1982, there were 262 male suicides between 15 and 24, but by 1992

this had risen to 412 -- an 83% increase and the tenth rise in 12 years.