In May 2019, at the age of 28, professional skateboarder Ben Raemers took his own life. The devastation and loss of such a beautifully contagious human being rippled worldwide. Through seeing the sadness left behind and the desire from the community to support an ongoing project, The Ben Raemers Foundation was formed.
SMiLe film series
Professional skateboarders sit down with The Ben Raemers Foundation to speak openly and honestly about their own experiences with mental health. We hope these conversations inspire and support people to open up about their concerns.
Our events captured on film.
Online Q&A, alcohol awareness live stream, film premier and live Q&A, book launch & photographs, Skate jam 2019 launch of the Foundation
Training offer
The Foundation has worked with Grassroots Suicide Prevention and Living Works to deliver both suicide awareness and suicide prevention training to people all throughout the skateboard industry. Training has been organised for Team managers, skateboarders, Skate shop staff, filmers, photographers and company staff members. These courses are invaluable, and this work will continue.