Preston installs 'listening benches' with mental health support signs to reduce suicides

Signs with information about mental health support and QR codes linking to help have been installed on benches across Preston to encourage those experiencing despair to seek aid.

The Listening Benches project, led by Preston Police Community Support Officer Sharon Noble, aims to remind people that help is available and encourage those who may be struggling to ask for help.

In Lancashire, between 2022-2024, there were 470 deaths registered, with the cause of death identified as suicide. Of these 350 were male.

Funded by the Lancashire Partnership Against Crime (LANPAC), the signs have been placed on benches in locations throughout the city and include a QR code which directs users to NHS mental health and wellbeing resources.

PCSO Sharon Noble said: "Every suicide is a tragedy that has a devastating impact on families, friends and communities. These signs serve as a simple but important reminder that mental health support is available and that help can be accessed quickly.

“If just one person scans the QR code and reaches out for support when they need it, the project will have made a positive difference."

Dr Gareth Thomas, interim chief executive at Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Suicide is a profound and tragic outcome that affects families, friends, and entire communities. Every life lost is one too many.

“Suicide prevention is central to our ambition to improve population health and we are proud to be working with our partner agencies on this important project.

“Societal stigma around mental health still remains, and as a mental health, learning disability, autism and community care provider, this is something we’re actively striving to address.

I hope that the benches will contribute towards normalising mental health conversations and providing a visible reminder to people in crisis that support is available and only a phone call away.”

Al Yusuf, LANPAC Manager, said: “LANPAC is proud to support the Listening Benches project, which provides a simple but potentially life-saving way for people to access mental health support when they need it most.

“We hope the QR codes will make it easier for those experiencing difficult times to find help quickly and access the support services available to them. If these signs encourage even one person to reach out for help, they will have made a real difference.”

Anyone struggling with their mental health, experiencing emotional distress or concerned about someone else can access support through NHS mental health services and other support organisations.

For immediate support, contact NHS 111 and select the mental health option or visit www.lscft.nhs.uk/urgent-help