Council Partners with Charity to Bring Life-Saving Benches to Ipswich
By Community Correspondent
Two potentially life-saving benches are now in place within two Ipswich parks as part of a nationwide initiative to support individuals struggling with suicidal thoughts.
The benches have been created by the Legend-on-the-bench non-profit making charity which was set up with the aim of reducing the number of tragedies recorded each year due to mental health issues or suicides.
In Bourne and Chantry Parks, each bench features a clearly visible QR code, illuminated by solar-powered lighting to ensure accessibility both day and night.
This small but powerful detail helps connect individuals to immediate support services at any time.
The charity’s mission is to install benches in every local park or open space in the UK.
The locations of the Ipswich benches can be found by using the ‘what3words’ app designed to identify any location of approximately 3 metres on the surface of Earth by using three permanently fixed dictionary words for geographic coordinates:
- Bourne Park: ///burst.bangle.dislodge
- Chantry Park: ///inspector.items.breed
Alternatively, the bench at Bourne Park can be found near the small play area, the bench at Chantry Park is located near the Sri Chinmoy statue.
Councillor Lucy Trenchard, portfolio holder for parks and climate change, said:
“Our parks and cemeteries team work closely with families who have lost loved ones who have taken their own lives, and we felt it was important to acknowledge the deep pain and lasting impact it brings.
“We have taken the time to carefully consider where the benches should be sited, so that they’re placed somewhere to support people who might be feeling overwhelmed or struggling with thoughts of suicide. We wanted to give them a quiet place to sit and be reminded that they’re not alone, and that there is help out there.
“Suicide is never easy to talk about, but sometimes knowing someone cares can make all the difference. We hope the benches can make those conversations easier and serve as a visible reminder that support is available, and that no one has to face their pain alone.”
Residents who would like to see more life-saving benches installed in Ipswich’s parks and open spaces are welcome to get involved by fundraising for them.
The Council’s parks and cemeteries team encourage anyone who’d be keen to do this to get in touch by emailing parks.services@ipswich.gov.uk or calling 01473 433516. They will then work with individuals or groups to identify suitable locations and support the installation process.
For further information about Legend-on-the-bench, visit: www.legend-on-the-bench.co.uk
