Football club release mental health video in memory of Kyle
FRIENDS AND TEAM MATES OF KYLE DILKS HAVE PRODUCED A VIDEO ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF SAVING LIVES BY SPEAKING OUT ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH
A NORTHUMBERLAND football club has created a video to encourage people to speak out about their mental health struggles following the death of “one of our own”.
Kyle Dilks took his own life in October last year, leaving the Cramlington community devastated at the loss of the popular lad with an “infectious smile”.
The 21-year-old was a muchloved figure at Cramlington United Football Club, a team he once represented as a player.
He later became an avid fan and was described as being the “life and soul of the party”.
With Kyle still at the forefront of their minds, players and coaches at Cramlington United have come together to create a video to encourage people to talk about mental health.
Long-term friend Sam Stevenson, 23, said: “The aim is to get people talking. We want people to learn from our experience and to know there is help out there.
“Kyle was funny and an entertainer. The joker of the group.
“I last saw Kyle the day before he died and he was so happy. It was probably the best that I had seen of him. It’s the reason why I was so shocked.
“We want to raise awareness of how people can identify someone is feeling low or a change in their behaviour. We don’t want anyone to suffer in silence like Kyle did.
“A couple of the lads were a bit
nervous going in front of the camera but it was for a worthy cause.
“We have had a fantastic response too of people opening up on their struggles since posting the video out on social media which is vitally important.”
Suicide is the single biggest killer of men aged under 45 in the UK and, in 2015, 75% of all UK suicides were male.
There were 5,691 suicides across England and Wales in 2019 and Cramlington United is hoping their actions will help inspire people to check in on their loved ones.
The video was also created in memory of 12-year-old Charley Patterson who was also found dead in October after being subject to “awful” bullying.
Following Kyle’s death, Cramlington United raised £14,800 which helped cover the cost of the MGN Fire Protection worker’s funeral, while creating a lasting legacy at the club he loved.
A memorial board with his face
on has been installed at the pitch side while a silver birch tree has also been planted on the club’s grounds to ensure he will always be remembered.
Sam said: “It is a lot different at the club without Kyle. His death hit a lot of the younger lads in particular.
“He was such a character. There’s a hole missing wherever you go. He brought a buzz and the laughter with him.
“Kyle is still at the forefront of our minds and we are hoping to possibly build a stand in his memory at some stage in the future.”
For confidential support from volunteers, including for suicidal thoughts, Samaritans can be contacted free, on 116 123 or by email to jo@samaritans.org
In the North East, If U Care Share Foundation supports those bereaved by suicide and works towards suicide prevention.
Anyone experiencing mental health problems should also contact their GP for help.