More lifesaving benches planned by mental health charity
This week saw 'Legend's on the Bench' put three new benches in across Northamptonshire.
A mental health charity say they plan more 'lifesaving' benches, after three new ones were installed in the county this week.
They've been organised and funded by 'Legend on the Bench' a charity set up by the sister of Spurs legend Micky Hazard's sister Michelle Hazard, who lost her son Jason to suicide in 2019.
Michelle says she wanted to do all she could to make sure another family didn't suffer the pain hers had been through:
"I call it grief with the volume button turned up fully."
Two years ago she decided to try and get five benches made in Jason's honour, with light to attract people, and most importantly mental health support numbers on:
"I wanted it to be something that could attract people. And also when they came to the bench, there will be a message there to say, someone's always listening with all the 24 hour support line outline numbers displayed on the bench, but also for the bench to be lit up at night because there's no point if people can't see the bench, having all the numbers and all the help there available if they wouldn't be able to see it."
Charity numbers including Mind and Samaritans are included.
Three unveilings took place this week, with new benches in Irtlingborough, Rockingham Road Pleasure Park, Kettering and Northampton bringing the total in the country to 66. In the county we now have five with another in Northampton and one in Mawsley.
Michelle says she couldn't do it without the help of local charity champions, which in Northamptonshire is Spurs fan Mervyn Hemmington:
"He's a great guy. They do whatever they can to support us. He's doing amazing 5 benches now and he's already raising money for the next few, so we couldn't do without him in Northampton."
Mervyn Hemmington, fund raiser for Legend on the Bench said in a statement:
"It’s been a pleasure dealing with North Northamptonshire Council with getting this “much needed” bench installed in a prime location in Kettering. The aim of Legend on the Bench is to have benches in every local park in the UK, offering help and support to someone struggling. To fund these benches, last year we completed a one million step walk and this year kayaked along the Nene valley raising over £10000 in all.
"The council embraced the concept and have helped us all the way with our cause to which we are extremely grateful."
Cllr Brian Benneyworth, North Northamptonshire Council’s Executive Member for Health and Leisure said:
"In Northamptonshire, around 65 people take their own life each year and we believe that every death by suicide is one too many. The work the charity is doing to prevent suicide across the country is commendable and we are extremely proud to support such an important initiative.
"Suicide and mental health challenges are huge issues that are sadly continuing to claim lives. We hope that the installation of this bench can help someone when they are struggling most, alongside our wider work to prevent suicide in North Northamptonshire."
If you are struggling and want someone to talk to you can call Samaritans on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org or head to their website.