Mental health bench to be installed on harbourside

A 'talking bench' is being installed at Bristol Harbourside to help encourage mental health conversations in the hope of preventing suicide.

The charity Hope Against Suicide is installing the bench, which is shaped like a semicolon to represent a pause, on Narrow Quay on Thursday.

The bench has been part-funded by John McGhee, whose "beloved son" Max took his own life in 2017, and a plaque on the bench remembers him.

Clare Kemp, 36, founder of Hope Against Suicide, said: "This particular bench is in the shape of a semicolon, which is the recognised symbol for hope for suicide survivors, and those feeling suicidal, that their story isn't over yet."

The charity also patrols around the harbourside area several times a week on foot to provide face-to-face mental health support.

Ms Kemp, who is from Bristol, said: "It is really critical that we support people at the earliest possible stage and that we're available when somebody's at crisis point so we can try and prevent lives lost by suicide as much as possible."

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Ms Kemp added: "What we're trying to achieve is just a 'hello' or being kind and compassionate to somebody and listening can make a big difference to somebody's mental health."

It is hoped the bench will be a place for people who are experiencing mental health problems, while also prompting others to learn what the bench is for and stop to ask people if they are OK.

Ms Kemp said the talking bench initiative "aligns perfectly with out ultimate goal - to get the community talking again, which in turn will improve mental health within our community and prevent suicide".

The bench will have the telephone numbers of suicide hotlines on it as well as a What3word location tag, so emergency services know where to go if needed.

Mr McGhee said the charity was "making a real difference" in supporting mental health in Bristol.

"They are an inspiration, and I hope the semicolon bench will provide support to the community, just as the team does," he said.

Ms Kemp added: "It felt only right to have Max recognised and remembered on the bench."

Craig Hammond, a local businessman who volunteers with the charity, also contributed to the bench.

He said: "If it weren’t for the opportunity to hold on, and the people who patiently stood by me, I might not be here today.

"I deeply understand the significance of the semicolon as a symbol of hope, and I am grateful that I can embrace it - my story isn’t over yet.

"It only takes one person to make a meaningful difference, and I am committed to being that person for someone else in need."

Ms Kemp added if the bench was widely used the charity would look to install others.

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