Come sit with us
A project in Somerset offers a new way to support people who are finding life difficult. Our Stepladder Communications Officer Julie MacDonald finds out how this initiative could make all the difference in the world.
The recent installation of the first support bench in Somerset recognises that people in distress often struggle to reach out for help. The initiative, spearheaded by community safety charity SAFE South West in collaboration with Somerset Council and Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service aims to unveil several benches in key locations across the county over the coming year and hope they will provide a place where people can stop and take a moment to access mental health resources.
Signpost to resources
In September the bench was placed in Taunton’s Vivary Park and can easily be spotted by its green colour and invitation to ‘Come sit with us’ written across the back. It is also fitted with plaques that have scannable QR codes, which signpost users to a range of resources. These include The Samaritans, SHOUT’s text helpline, Open Mental Health’s website and an opportunity to read or listen to Somerset’s Letter of Hope.
The importance of accessibility
Steve Smith from SAFE South West has led the project, which puts accessibility at its centre. He says:
What we tried to do was make it easy for people, whether they were a bit down or in crisis, to reach a range of options to support them.
There are plans for the benches to be rolled out across Somerset including at Nine Elms Country Park in Yeovil and Glastonbury High Street. However, the project has also evolved with the plaques being fitted to existing benches, so that more people can be reached.
Reaching in
Steve has been working closely with Clare Stone, an Open Mental Health Expert by Experience, who became involved after being inspired by a similar initiative set up by a family bereaved by suicide in London.
I felt that all the messages from society and the media are for people in crisis to ‘just reach out’ and I really wanted to find a way for the community to ‘reach in’.
It is often really difficult for people who are in crisis to pick up the phone and talk or to find the words to ask for help, so it felt important that there were other options such as texting, reading or listening. I really hope this will help others to feel less alone in their struggles and that by listening to others who have experienced mental health difficulties themselves it may offer hope and reassurance that they are worthy of support.
If you’re having trouble coping and need support, call Mindline, Somerset’s support and mental health helpline, tel: 0800 138 1692 or 01823 276 892. It is a confidential listening service, which is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The Stepladder project has provided funding for numerous initiatives in Somerset through its Winston Innovation Fund, facilitating the establishment and launch of activities and groups aimed at supporting men’s wellbeing and fostering connections with like-minded individuals.
Visit our interactive map full of groups and activities across Somerset to get those conversations going with the right people!