Charity set to install 100th park bench with mental health support information
Legend on the Bench aims to help those in crisis
A charity aiming to reduce suicide rates across the UK will mark a significant milestone next month with the unveiling of its 100th park bench displaying mental health support information.
Legend on the Bench was founded two years ago by ex-professional footballer Micky Hazard and his sister Michelle Mead in memory of her late son, Jason Lee Mead, who died in 2019 at the age of 23.
The benches, which have already been installed in parks across the UK, feature contact numbers, QR codes linking to further resources, and built-in lighting to provide comfort and safety to those visiting at night.
Michelle Mead, who came up with the idea, said she was inspired after frequent visits to a local park in Hertfordshire to grieve for her son, affectionately known as Jay.
She told the Press Association: "My house was crowded with people and I wanted to be alone so I went to a park at night. I'm quite scared of the dark and kept thinking I wished there was some light, which gave me the idea of setting up a charity."
Micky Hazard added that many people are unaware of the help available to them when struggling with mental health challenges.
"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 judgment," Hazard said.
The charity works closely with local communities to install the benches, often relying on residents to help fund the effort.
Benches will be unveiled in Dublin and Northampton in the coming weeks, and the 100th bench is set to be placed at the end of February.
Legend on the Bench hopes to expand its initiative to every local park in the UK to reach more people in need of support.