10/09/2026
Today is World Su***de Prevention Day.
It's a subject that matters to us, and one that matters to skateboarding.
The Ben Raemers Foundation does some brilliant work supporting mental health and su***de prevention within the skateboarding community. If you don't know their work, they're well worth a look. https://thebenraemersfoundation.com
This one is a little personal too.
There was a time in my own life when things got pretty dark. Before I understood myself properly, I reached a point where I genuinely thought that not being here anymore might be easier than continuing to deal with everything.
Volunteering at The Lodge became one of the things that helped change that.
Not because skateboarding magically fixes everything. It doesn't.
But having somewhere to go. People to talk to. Something to focus on. Somewhere you can be yourself, have a laugh, learn something, fall off a skateboard and get back up again.
That stuff matters.
So if you're having a difficult time, whether you're a regular at The Lodge or you've never been through our doors before, please know that you're welcome here.
You can come and skate.
You can hang out.
You can chat.
You can sit quietly.
You can laugh at your mates falling over.
You can just be around people.
You don't have to explain yourself, and you don't have to have everything figured out.
You are not alone.
We're not mental health professionals, and The Lodge isn't a replacement for professional support. But we are a community, and sometimes having somewhere you feel accepted can be a pretty important place to start.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to someone. Samaritans are available free, 24 hours a day, on 116 123. If you're in immediate danger, call 999 or go to A&E.
And we'll have more to say about this.
We're working towards a regular monthly session focused on mental wellbeing, a place to skate, talk, listen and connect. More on that when we're ready.
For today, though, just check in on someone.
A message. A coffee. A skate. A conversation.
Sometimes it's the little things that matter.
***dePreventionDay
