In May 2019, the skateboarding industry was left devastated by the news that British pro skater Ben Raemers had died by suicide at the age of 28. Ben’s approach to skateboarding – with his unique blend of transition and street skating – meant that he was one of a small number of British skaters to gain an international reputation over the past decade.
In this film, friends and family reflect on Ben’s rise to US sponsorship, and the struggles that came later as his mental health deteriorated. His tragic death sparked a mental health reckoning within the skate community, with other pro-skaters now questioning their assumptions about mental health and sharing stories of their own.
The Ben Raemers Foundation was founded in an attempt to end the stigma that prevents skaters from discussing mental health issues and to provide much-needed education about suicide prevention.
You can find out more about The Ben Raemers Foundation and donate at www.thebenraemersfoundation.com
Subscribe to The Ben Raemers Foundation: http://youtube.com/c/TheBenRaemersFoundation
Follow The Ben Raemers Foundation on Twitter: http://twitter.com/Benraemers_fndn
Follow The Ben Raemers Foundation on Instagram: http://instagram.com/thebenraemersfoundation
If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health or suicidal thoughts, help is available:
Call Samaritans UK & ROI Hotline: 116 123 (free call from mobile and landline)
Or call Mind on 0300 123 3393 or go to their website www.mind.org.uk
Watch more like this:
How Mental Illness Derailed the Career of a Promising Young Skateboarder
The Skateboard Hero Who Fought a Terrorist
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