Bethlem Royal Hospital. Deborah Paynter. Legend on the Bench.
Today was a truly special moment for all of us at Legend on the Bench Charity, Bethlem Royal Hospital & Deborah Paynter as we proudly revealed another Suicide Prevention Bench in the Hospital in Beckenham, Kent, dedicated to supporting people at the very moment they need that support.💙
Each bench we install is far more than just a place to sit, it’s a space for reflection, remembrance, and hope. Sometimes hope waits patiently on a bench, waiting for someone to come and sit beside it.
We are incredibly grateful to everyone who made this bench possible, from those who contributed and supported the initiative, to those who were present on the day to support the cause. Your support allows us to continue creating meaningful spaces that honour lives, stories, legacies, and also save lives.
Special Thank you to the Bethlem Royal Hospital for your support and commitment towards making this happen, we very much appreciate all you have done in support of this cause. Together we are making a difference.💙
A big thank you to Paul Newman, a Local Champion for Legend on the Bench, attended the unveiling today as a representative of LOTB, top man Paul, that’s why we love you X
Special mention to Deborah Paynter who has played a huge part in this Bench being installed. Your enthusiasm passion and energy are amazing. I am now using your own words as a way of showing what this cause means to you.
Your Beautiful Words Deborah.
“Our bench arrived at the Bethlem Royal Hospital yesterday and was installed yesterday afternoon!
It is absolutely beautiful! Thank you so much for creating such a wonderful bench and project.
I arrived at the Bethlem yesterday at the same time as the delivery driver as I was so excited to see the bench and then had to go back to work! I then returned later in the day to see it in situ. I sat on the bench for about an hour at the end of my working day, in the sunshine. I found just being there on the bench, with all that it means, very emotional and found it really quite difficult to leave.
I thought you might like to see where it has been installed so have attached photos. It is by our memorial tree (a Paper Bark Maple) which was planted last October, inspired by an organisation called Doctors in Distress who focus on mental health support and suicide prevention for healthcare workers.
The tree and bench are a wonderful combination of awareness, support and hope for anyone who needs it. This place, we hope, will be a place of remembrance, reflection and support, sharing a message that ‘you are not alone’.
We have our ‘Gathering of Hope’ (in recognition of National Suicide Memorial Day for Healthcare Workers) planned for tomorrow at 12pm by the tree and bench and have invited Trust staff to attend and we will hold this Gathering every year on 17th September.”
There are no words that highlight your commitment and passion for this cause than your very own words, your words have inspired me and given me a feeling of warmth inside, knowing with people like you involved, we are going to make a big difference. Thank You.💙💙💙
At Legend on the Bench Charity, every reveal is a reminder that even the simplest things, like a bench, can help and support someone at the moment support is needed.
If you would like to get involved, support our work, or learn more about how to dedicate a bench, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Together, we are making a difference, together we are making a change.🙏🙏🙏
