Gloucestershire's first suicide prevention bench
Initiative aims to help those in crisis by offering immediate support
Last updated 16th Apr 2026
The tragic loss of her partner, 20 months ago, has inspired Mary Barnes to lead a fundraising initiative for a suicide prevention bench in Gloucestershire.
Mary’s partner committed suicide without any apparent warning signs, only a day after they were discussing plans for a trip to the Isle of Man.
Mary has embarked on a mission to create a dedicated bench designed to offer support to those in crisis.
The bench will be equipped with multiple features to aid individuals contemplating suicide or experiencing mental health crises.
A solar light ensures visibility at night, while a QR code and printed helpline numbers provide access to 24-7 support services.
Mary explained, “We hope that somebody may see this just at the right time or may remember it when they're walking and contemplating and know that somebody is thinking about them.”
20 names of individuals affected by suicide are set to be engraved on the bench, signifying the communal support behind the initiative.
Mary is working with Legend on the Bench, a charity founded by ex-footballer Mickey Hazard and his sister Michelle, to fundraise and raise awareness.
Currently, there are no benches of this kind in Gloucestershire.
Mary hopes this first bench will encourage similar efforts throughout the region and beyond.
By raising awareness and fostering conversations about mental health, Mary hopes to diminish stigma and offer support.
Mary’s says she wants to encourage open dialogue around suicide and mental health issues.
“There is no stigma.
“It's an illness like any other illness and we need to talk and keep talking about mental health and mental health issues,” she urged.
Her goal is to affect change by promoting understanding and reaching out to those in need.
Mary says the hope is to prevent even one family from experiencing the pain she has endured.