Netflix donates park bench to promote mental health discussions
The donations come as part of the success of its show 'After Life'
Online streaming service Netflix has donated a park bench to Birmingham City Council to promote the discussion of mental health.
The gifts coincide with the launch of the new series of its hit show 'After Life', written by and starring Ricky Gervais.
In the show, Gervais plays local journalist Tony, who falls into severe depression following the death of his wife.
Tony is regularly seen sat on park benches throughout the show reflecting on the loss he has had to endure.
Promoting the third and final series of the show, Netflix has partnered up with the mental health charity Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) by gifting the park benches around the country.
Birmingham has been fortunate enough to receive a bench, which will be located in Cofton Park, with the postcode being B45 8UN.
In total, 25 benches have been given to local councils by Netflix and CALM and are spread as far wide as Edinburgh and Minehead.
Speaking about the initiative, Gervais said that the benches would provide a space for people to open up.
"We hope the benches will create a lasting legacy for After Life, as well as become a place for people to visit, and we are thrilled to be associated with Calm and the great work they do," he said.
Chief Executive of CALM, Simon Gunning added that people should feel comfortable using the benches to have the discussions Tony was in the show.
He said: "Park benches provide opportunities to reflect, talk to someone, sit shoulder to shoulder with someone and get things off your chest.
"That is why we're delighted to team up with Netflix to put benches in parks across the country - inscribed with that crucial line from the show, 'Hope is everything' - to help people have those conversations and to show it's normal to have those feelings."