SOMETHING has to be done to tackle the taboo of suicide and Graham Deakin is stepping out of the shadow of personal tragedy to lead the way.
The ex-Walsall professional, now assistant manager at Hednesford Town and academy manager at Step 5 Romulus, had his world rocked to its core when his dad, Graham Snr, took his own life six weeks ago. He was 57.
Many would understand, even expect a period of silence, but in the same way he did in the middle of the park for many Non-League sides in the Midlands, Deakin is out to make a difference.
It has led to a link up with Sport Against Suicide, a non-proift organisation that offers education to people in sport, helping them to recognise signs of suicidal intent or mental health crisis.
Academy prospects at Romulus have already benefited from a talk from founder Tara Hancock with a similar presentation planned at Hednesford.
“It came totally out of the blue, there were no signs,” said Deakin of his father’s death.
“He was successful, he had money in the bank and no mortgage, three kids and grandchildren that he had done everything for. It has broken us as a family and me personally and I don’t want this to happen to anyone else.
Awareness
“At the academy we try to teach things that go beyond education and football, we want the lads to gain life skills. We do various workshops on things like knife crime and we have had ex-prisoners come in.
“I thought it would be a great thing for Tara to come in and speak to the lads, maybe help them to spot signs in their families or in the people they know.
“We will be getting Tara to come to Hednesford too.
Even the older lads like Martin Riley, Kyle Bennett, Leroy Lita, they need to know as well, it is not just the young kids.
“If I can help people so they don’t end up going through what I have, it will be a start in creating more awareness, particularly in football and particularly with men.
“More needs to be done.
People don’t talk, especially in football, and this is the biggest killer of men aged between 30 and 50 in the UK.
Demons
“Unless the government does more, this could end up becoming more and more regular.”
And in that spirit, Deakin is not stopping there. He plans to link up with ex-England C international striker Karl Hawley and others to secure a meeting place to help those struggling with mental health.
“We are trying to get our heads together to create a meeting point, a place to maybe have a bit of food, involve football and talk,” he added.
“If we get a hub where they can talk when they need to, open up, relieve a bit of stress and release a few demons, maybe we can give them that release.
It is about trying to get together and help each other.
If we can stop one more person from doing this then we will have achieved something.”
The need for action was tragically highlighted again this week when Boldmere St Michaels, just up the road from Romulus, announced former player Andy Lewis had died.
In paying tribute, many friends and ex-team-mates pleaded with anyone who is struggling to open up.
He was also a construction worker who was the number-one choice whenever Romulus needed roofing repairs at their academy headquarters.
“He was a great lad,” said Deakin. “I came up against him a few times and it is such a shame that he felt like my dad did, that this was the only way out.”
Sport Against Suicide offers a support service through WhatsApp. The number to message is 07706 407534. More information on their work can be found at: sportagainstsuicide.org. uk
