In a heartwarming effort to encourage open conversations around mental health, a new ‘talking bench’ shaped like a semicolon has been installed at Bristol’s Harbourside. The bench, designed to symbolize hope and pause, aims to promote mental health dialogue and suicide prevention in the community.
The initiative, led by the charity Hope Against Suicide, was made possible through partial funding from John McGhee, whose son Max tragically took his own life in 2017. A plaque on the bench honors Max’s memory, making the project deeply personal for many involved.
Clare Kemp, founder of Hope Against Suicide, emphasized the importance of the semicolon symbol in representing hope for suicide survivors and those struggling with mental health challenges. “This bench stands as a reminder that someone’s story is not over. Just as a semicolon in writing signals a pause rather than an end, we want to encourage people to pause, talk, and seek support,” she explained.
In addition to the bench installation, Hope Against Suicide regularly patrols the harbourside to provide face-to-face mental health support, with volunteers engaging the community several times a week. Kemp highlighted the urgent need for early intervention, saying, “We want to be there for people before it’s too late, to listen and help prevent further lives lost to suicide.”
The talking bench also serves as a practical resource, displaying suicide prevention hotline numbers and featuring a What3words location tag, enabling quick emergency service response if necessary.
Craig Hammond, a local businessman and volunteer, shared his own connection to the semicolon symbol. “I’ve been through my own struggles, and having someone there made all the difference. The semicolon represents my story continuing, and I hope this bench can be a symbol of hope for others too.”
The charity hopes the bench will not only offer comfort to those in need but also inspire the broader community to engage in meaningful conversations about mental health. Kemp added, “Our goal is to get people talking, and through that, help improve mental health and prevent suicide.”
Plans are already underway to expand the initiative by installing more talking benches if the first proves successful.
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