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‘Amazing’ dad, 23, died a week after saying he was ‘scared’
An “amazing dad” who could “light up a room” will be greatly missed as his family issue an important message.
James Bleasdale struggled with his mental health from a young age and “battled with his own mind”. Tragically, after years of “going around in circles” and struggling with gambling and substance misuse, James took his own life on August 5, last year at the age of 23.
Despite his battles, partner Lauren Sweeney said James was an amazing person who touched the hearts of many people. Paying a loving tribute to the dad-of-three, she told the ECHO: “He was the most amazing dad, he had the best personality. He could light a whole room up with the way he was, his whole persona could make you laugh.
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“He was dead funny, even though he was going through such a hard time, you wouldn’t think it. You couldn’t fault him as a dad or a person. He left his mark, so many were upset when they found out he’d passed away, even people I didn’t know he knew.
“James battled with his own mind everyday, struggling with gambling and drugs and didn’t get the help he needed. He never received the right support and got fobbed off. He reached out to a crisis team a week before saying he was scared of what he’d do to himself, he even started going to anonymous groups but he couldn’t see a way out.”
To raise awareness of mental health, and to honour his memory, Lauren has organised a family fun day for August 5 to raise funds for James Place and Gambling With Minds. From 12.30pm to 5pm, the event will be held at Kensington Field Social Club and will include a day of entertainment, stalls and raffles.
Mental health support
Helplines and support groups
The following are helplines and support networks for people to talk to, mostly listed on the NHS Choices website
- Samaritans (116 123) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at [email protected].
- CALM Campaign Against Living Miserably (0800 58 58 58) is a leading movement against suicide. It runs a UK helpline and webchat from 5pm to midnight 365 days a year for anyone who has hit a wall for any reason, who need to talk or find information and support.
- PANDAS (0808 1961 776) runs a free helpline and offers a support service for people who may be suffering with perinatal mental illness, including prenatal (antenatal) and postnatal depression plus support for their family or network.
- Childline (0800 1111) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won’t show up on your phone bill.
- PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is an organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal.
- Mind (0300 123 3393) is a charity providing advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.
- Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts.
- Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying.
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Amparo provides emotional and practical support for anyone who has been affected by a suicide. This includes dealing with police and coroners; helping with media enquiries; preparing for and attending an inquest and helping to access other, appropriate, local support services. Call 0330 088 9255 or visit www.amparo.org.uk for more details.
- Hub of Hope is the UK’s most comprehensive national mental health support database. Download the free app, visit hubofhope.co.uk or text HOPE to 85258 to find relevant services near you.
- Young Persons Advisory Service – Providing mental health and emotional wellbeing services for Liverpool’s children, young people and families. tel: 0151 707 1025 email: [email protected]
- Paul’s Place – providing free counselling and group sessions to anyone living in Merseyside who has lost a family member or friend to suicide. Tel: 0151 226 0696 or email: [email protected]
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The Martin Gallier Project – offering face to face support for individuals considering suicide and their families. Opening hours 9.30-16.30, 7 days a week. Tel: 0151 644 0294 email: [email protected]
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James’ Place – supports men over 18 who are experiencing a suicidal crisis by providing quick access to therapy and support. Call 0151 303 5757 from Monday to Friday between 9.30am and 5.30pm or visit
Lauren, from West Derby added: “I wanted to raise awareness to people who are struggling, especially me, there is help out there. I want people to know there is light at the end of the tunnel, there can be a happy ending. And believe in yourself, one thing James didn’t do was believe in himself. He didn’t have the confidence or think he’d be strong enough to do it.”
James Place and Gambling with Minds are causes close to the family’s heart as Lauren said: “I wanted to turn a negative into a positive. These charities meant a lot to James before he passed away and he always wanted to do something for them, he just didn’t know what so this is the last thing I could do for him.
“I want people to know about these charities and reach out for support. Suicide is not the answer. And there does need to be more support. There’s help out there but it needs to be known more.”
Anyone wishing to donate can do so by clicking here. The fun day will be a ticketed event and more information can be found by contacting Lauren via emailing [email protected] or via Facebook.
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