A Bench of Hope has been installed overlooking Hammonds Pond at Lightwater Country Park.
The bench has been installed as part of an initiative linked to the Netflix series After Life, in conjunction with suicide prevention charity CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably). There is a unique QR that can be scanned by those visiting the bench that links to mental health resources from CALM.
Commenting, Cllr Shaun Garrett, Portfolio Holder for Support and Safeguarding said:
"The After Life Bench of Hope is a great initiative, letting people know there is somewhere they can go to just sit and reflect – and also that there are people out there who care, and are there to help if they need it.
“The last 18 months have been difficult for everyone, and I know that many people - both adults and children - have really struggled with their mental health. Some have reached the point where they feel their life is no longer worth living, which is devastating.
“The ‘Hope is Everything’ inscription on the bench is a powerful statement.
“I’m no Ricky Gervais, but I know talking about what’s on your mind is really important and helpful – and the link on the bench to the CALM website, with its mental health resources, is a brilliant idea.
“I hope lots of people take the opportunity to visit the bench, and benefit from it."
Pictured, Cllr Shaun Garrett with Sherlock at the Bench of Hope in Lightwater Country Park
