A Thaxted-based charity is installing benches at public parks around the UK to help people with mental health issues.
'Legend of the Bench' is setting up benches engraved with contact information for mental health support services to help people in crisis.
The charity's ambassadors are former Tottenham and England football players Micky Hazard, Ozzie Ardiles and Bryan Hughes.
Micky set up the charity in memory of his nephew Jay, son of his sister Michelle, who sadly took his own life in 2019 at the age of 23.
Micky said: "Jay was a fun loving, vibrant young man, always laughing and joking.
"Though his family were aware that Jay had some issues, not in their wildest dreams did they expect to come home and find that he’d taken his own life.
"Left devastated, Michelle, Lee and Louis (Jay's brother) struggled to find answers to why their beautiful son had decided to take the path he had.
"It's unbelievable how many people are unaware that there is help out there to support them in times of crisis, someone is ready to listen, maybe even just a shoulder to cry on without judgement."
The first bench was unveiled in Sawbridgeworth - where Jay lived - in February this year, and the charity recently unveiled its seventh bench in Market Deeping, Lincolnshire.
They will soon be installing benches in Dunstable and in Thaxted itself.
The benches display the message 'Someone is always listening', along with information about charities people can reach out to for support.
These include Samaritans, Mind, national suicide prevention charity SP-UK, Shout, Harmless, Young Minds, Childline and Veterans in Need.
For more information about mental health support services available go to https://legend-on-the-bench.co.uk/.
READ MORE
- Uttlesford District Council renting out office space to businesses and organisations
- Plans approved for 45 new sustainable homes in Henham
Legend on the Bench is currently looking for volunteers and fundraisers.
Anyone who would like a bench installed in their area, or in a place close to their heart, can get in touch by emailing info@Legend-on-the-Bench.co.uk.
Operations director Kerry Prentice said: "Our aim is to prevent suicides and support those who suffer from mental health problem, as well as family and friends who have suffered a loss through suicide."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here