Martin Warde: I received no official supports after tragedy

As Travellers demonstrate about the difficulties they face accessing mental health services, Martin Warde shares his own experience after he suffered a severe trauma at the age of 13

Comedian, writer, and podcaster Martin 'Beanz' Warde writes about the trauma he suffered, and the support he needed, after discovering his friend's dead body after a drowning accident.

On August 8, 1998, I was just a few months into my teenage years and, up until 3pm that day, my dreams were centred around being a striker for Liverpool or an actor in some Hollywood film.

It was a normal Saturday for me, my brother, and our group of friends — but that was all about to change.