The Swindon community has rallied around the family of a popular young man who took his own life and are supporting his grieving mother in her efforts to raise mental health awareness. 

Jake Melvin, described as well-liked, sociable, adventurous and outgoing by his loved ones, has left a big hole in the lives of the people that knew the 26-year-old who lived in Old Town.

Now his family, colleagues, friends and others are hoping to raise awareness of mental health issues.

For the Melvin family, Jake’s death marks the end of a tragic year. Jake’s nan lost her battle with cancer on Boxing Day and earlier this year his father died from heart disease. 

His mother Sandra described losing Jake as the ‘worst pain ever’ but she is determined to help people who might be struggling in a similar way to honour her son.

“Jake was my rock, my best friend and he was very open. He did talk to me about losing his nan and his dad, and he did receive some counselling, but it obviously wasn’t enough.

“It’s important to be aware of mental health and it’s especially important to be kind to people.

“Mental health illnesses are not visible – you can be surrounded by people that love you and still feel alone.

“After the last few years it’s also important for us to look out for each other, we need to ask people how they are, and then ask them again. 

"Someone told me to do that because it gives people a chance.

“Jake was by himself at the time which I don’t think helped. 

“In the end he has left behind a grieving mum, a sister two brothers and a niece that he was so excited to see but didn’t get the chance to meet.” 

Jake’s colleague at a local ISO consultancy Carolyn Ekins posted on Facebook about Jake to raise awareness of how much of a silent killer depression can be.

The post said: “Everyone, where I work, will always say this about Jake, he was lovely, he was friendly, he never had a bad word to say about anybody, he smiled even though we knew he was struggling with the loss of his father, we thought he was brave. A brave boy.”

She has urged people to share the post to start a conversation about mental health. 

Jake’s loss has been felt elsewhere. A friend of his, Nathan Jacka, decided to pay tribute to him with an incredible graffiti mural in Penhill. 

“Jake was a great guy, really chilled and super friendly. Not a bad bone in his body,” he said.

And Violet Mclaren from The Victoria pub where Jake used to work is going to put a picture of him on the wall.

She said: “Jake was a well-known and well-loved ex member of staff and a regular at The Victoria. 

“Many of our staff and regulars knew Jake well, so everyone came together to offer support to each other following his very sad death. 

"It has hit people very hard, especially as it was so unexpected. 

“Unfortunately there are too many occurrences of young men choosing to end their life prematurely, so we try to encourage people to let us know if they are struggling with their mental health. 

“All the staff at The Victoria want to offer ongoing support to Sandra and her family through this very difficult time.”

Sandra told the Adver that she is grateful for the help and support she’s received from The Vic, Jake’s work and Hillier’s funeral home, who have offered her and her family counselling and Ewa at the Elemental Tattoo studio Swindon for doing her tattoos of Jake and his father. 

“The support from everyone has been so overwhelming and so helpful," she said. 

"It’s clear to see how loved Jake was. 

“I just hope that his story can help someone else going forward.”

Sandra is hoping that Jake’s story will encourage people who are struggling to seek help and she is also trying to raise some money for Swindon-based charity MIND. 

The Walcot Community Charity has already pledged to donate £200.

To find out more about the work that MIND does, or to make a donation visit https://www.sgmind.org.uk/