‘Skating and Talking’ is a film documenting the life and career of Ben Raemers who died by suicide in May 2019.
Ben’s passing devastated his family, friends and a skateboarding community the world over. His death prompted a much needed address towards mental health within skateboarding culture. Formed in his memory, The Ben Raemers Foundation works to raise awareness of mental health, whilst normalising the conversation surrounding it, to carry on Ben’s legacy.
Featuring touching interviews with Ben’s sister, Lucy Raemers, alongside friends Rob Mathieson, Scott ‘Horsey’ Walker and Louie Barletta – ‘Skating and Talking’ also profiles the work of the Foundation; delivering suicide awareness training in partnership with various skate companies and their SMilE interviews which allow professional skateboarders space to speak candidly about their own experiences and struggles with mental health, hoping to encourage others to do the same.
Directed by Liam Martin, ‘Skating and Talking’ premiered at House of Vans on November 4th and was followed by a jam and live music, celebrating what would have been Ben’s 31st birthday.
Please take some time out of your day to watch the documentary, remember Ben and be mindful of reaching out to your loved ones whenever you feel they or yourself are in need of support.
You can call the Samaritans UK & Roi Hotline on 116 123 (free from mobile and landline phones), their service is available any time (24 hours), every day of the week. For more information go to: samaritans.org
Mind’s Infoline is also available on 0300 123 3393 and can be reached between 9am and 6pm, Monday to Friday (except bank holidays). For more information go to: www.mind.org.uk and find your local Mind service here.
www.thebenraemersfoundation.com
contact: [email protected]
instagram: @thebenramersfoundation
With thanks to Lucy Raemers, who spoke to us about The Ben Raemers Foundation last year.