New bench aims to prevent suicide and combat mental health issues
A new bench, on a footpath near Scarborough Castle, is part of a campaign to combat mental health issues and prevent suicides.
The seat, overlooking the South Bay, displays contact numbers and QR codes linking directly to crisis support services such as Samaritans and Suicide Prevention UK.
It is the 133rd bench in the UK and Ireland organised and fitted by Legend on the Bench, a national charity seeking to reduce the number of tragedies recorded each year due to mental health issues or suicides, through provision of inscribed public seating.
Requested by local people and paid for through community fundraising, the bench is inscribed with a list of organisations sitters can reach out to for support, their telephone numbers and QR codes linking to the services.
Built-in lighting ensures that the bench and its inscription is visible and accessible at all times, which as stated by organisers of the new seat, provides “a beam of hope even in the darkest hours”.
Organisers hope it will help people find support at any time of the day. Visit legend-on-the-bench.co.uk to find out more.
If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article, you can visit samaritans.org, or call Samaritans free any time on 116 123.