The death of a “kind and caring” security guard has left his loved ones devastated.

Ben Courtney, 33, from Broadstairs, is believed to have taken his own life last Saturday.

His girlfriend Jess Frampton is now urging others who may be struggling to speak up and seek help.

“I feel that if Ben had spoken to somebody about how he was feeling, he possibly wouldn't have even thought about taking his own life,” she told KentOnline.

“Please always talk if you really feel like that. You really need to talk because obviously, your suffering could be helped by others.”

Jess says that if anybody was in trouble, Ben would always help “no matter what”.

“He was just so caring and it didn't matter who you were - whether it was me or whether it was just Joe Bloggs off the street - he cared so much,” she said.

“He put up a person that was homeless just because he didn't want him on the streets. He didn't even know the guy really but Ben was just amazing like that.

“If anybody was in trouble, Ben would always help no matter what.”

The former Charles Dickens and Canterbury College pupil had been working at the Royal Sea Bathing Hospital in Margate as a night-shift security guard.

He showed a wide interest in the world around him, which stemmed from years spent in the scouts as a child.

Lovingly described as “a nerd”, he studied game development at college, enjoyed the role-playing game Dungeons and Dragons and often engaged with Japanese culture and anime.

Ben was also a keen Marvel and DC fan, had a love for baking and as a child often took trips to Manston Airport to see planes take off – with the Red Arrows being a particular favourite.

The couple had been planning a trip away to Turkey next year while also hoping to go back to Thorpe Park – one of their fondest memories together.

His younger brother Sam also offered kind words, calling him “a character in his own little weird way”.

He told KentOnline: “Ben was happy and he had a good sense of humour.

“He was always just around, always looked after me. He was always there for me when I needed him.

“He died too soon.”

Ben is survived by siblings Sam, Charlotte and Sophia as well as his partner.

Following the shock of his death, the family have been left scrambling for cash to cover the cost of the funeral before Christmas.

A GoFundMe has been started with hopes of raising £4,000 to pay for the service.

More than £1,000 has been donated so far.

Fundraiser organiser Kayleigh D'cruze describes Ben as a “kind-hearted soul, loved by anyone who had the pleasure of meeting him”.

Mental health problems can affect any of us at any time in our lives.

When life gets tough, talking can help.

Call the Samaritans 24/7 on 116 123, or chat in confidence to a trained Release the Pressure adviser, anytime, just text the word SHOUT to 85258 or call 0800 107 0160.

For details about other mental health support in Kent and Medway, including Amparo who provide support to anyone bereaved by suicide, please visit kent.gov.uk/mentalhealth