Sharon Oconnor Talks about her traumatic experience of losing her 21 year old son Kailum Oconnor on the 1st June 2020. Sharon shares with us the life of Kailum, his famous pursuits, his incredible love for his Mum, Brother, Sister and his friends. She talks about his life adventures and his struggles with his mental health and being accepted by society. Kailum as a teenager experienced a period of extreme bullying about his appearance and his sexual orientation which that lead to self injury. Despite this Kailum used social media platforms to entertian others, educate teens through sharing his personal experiences and from this became a social media influencer. He had an incredible singing voice that brought so many to tears. Kailum as a whole was one incredible young man, I was very lucky to have met him and be a small part of his life for a short time.

Sharon talks about the traumatic, life changing impact Kailum's death had on her and her family. She wants to keep Kailum's legacy alive, in the hope that no other parents have to experience what she has and also to raise awareness to young people the importance of talking about how you feel. She would love to set up support groups for parents and young people. She also wants more awareness and support for people when they attend A&E regarding their mental health. Kailum was admitted to A&E on the 17th March 2020, once discharged there was no follow up support offered and on the 1st June 2020 Kailum sadly lost his life.

TRIGGER WARNINING
Please note: The content of this episode may be graphic and sensitive to some viewers. There is reference to Self Harm, Suicide, Alcohol. For more information and resources for support to those who have lost someone to suicide please call Samaritan on 116123, visit Action Mental health website, Mindwise or your local community counselling services. If you are experiencing suidical ideation please reach out to Samaritan on 116123 or Lifeline 0808 808 800 or head to your nearest Emergency Department.

If You would like to ask Sharon or Lisburn YMCA Staff anything following to what you have heard please email: lisburnympodcast@gmail.com