Suicide prevention bench revealed at Hardwick Heath, Bury St Edmunds
Hardwick Heath, which is owned by West Suffolk Council, is the first park in the area to install a suicide prevention bench as part of a national campaign.
The charity Legend on the Bench installs bespoke benches in communities across the country with crisis support information and the message ‘someone is always listening’ as a reminder to anyone who might be struggling, that they are not alone.
West Suffolk Council were approached by Legend on the Bench and Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SoBS), who are working in collaboration on a joint initiative to bring 35 Suicide Prevention Benches to towns and communities throughout the UK where SOBS groups are supporting local people affected by suicide. It is a partnership that brings together the experience and support of both organisations, with a shared commitment to raising awareness, encouraging conversations and helping to prevent suicide and save lives.
The council suggested Hardwick Heath due to its proximity to West Suffolk Hospital, where people may need support when faced with difficult news themselves or regarding loved ones. The park is also well used by individuals and groups of all agesin the local community.
Each bench costs £2,300, with Legend on the Bench Charity contributing £1,300 towards the cost of each bench. The remaining £1,000 is raised by the local SOBS groups and their supporters, allowing each community to play an active role in bringing a Suicide Prevention Bench to their area.
The unique benches feature built-in lighting, so they are illuminated in the dark as a beacon of hope. Plaques on the bench have a QR code that can be scanned, as well as a list of contact numbers so help from professional groups and charities is always available
The initiative aims to create safe, visible spaces within local communities where people can pause, reflect and, importantly, access information about mental health and suicide prevention support.
Cllr Ian Shipp, Cabinet Member for Leisure at West Suffolk Council, said: “I hope that any resident that is in crisis knows they are not alone and support is always available for them. This bench serves not only as a reminder that help is available, but also as a prompt to have important conversations about mental health.
“West Suffolk parks and open spaces offer our residents and communities the opportunity to get outdoors in nature, which is proven to improve our health and wellbeing. The addition of the suicide prevention bench at Hardwick Heath offers another level of support and comfort.”
At SOBS, LOTB & West Suffolk Council, every bench installation is a reminder that even the simplest things, like a bench, can help and support someone at the moment support is needed. Together, we are making a difference, together we are making a change.🙏🙏🙏
The bench can be found along the footpath that connects the Hardwick Heath carpark to the West Suffolk Hospital site.
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.💙💙💙
