Suicide awareness bench ‘a symbol of hope’ in new Leigh civic square

A new bench unveiled in Leigh town centre on World Suicide Prevention Day aims to remind residents there is always hope and someone to turn to.

Located in the new-look Civic Square, which was reopened this month, the bench has a plaque with a QR code linking to the Hub of Hope – an online directory of mental health and wellbeing support services.

Also inscribed is a tribute to peer-led charity Survivors Of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS) who offer face-to-face and virtual support groups, a national helpline (0300 111 5065), email support, and an online forum for adults affected by suicide loss.

The bench is just a small part of ongoing local efforts to remove stigma around mental wellbeing and inspire a whole community approach to suicide prevention – themes that are currently in focus as part of the annual Month of Hope.

Coun Keith Cunliffe, Wigan Council’s deputy leader and cabinet portfolio holder for adult social care and health, said: “Suicide continues to have a devastating impact on our communities, and the Month of Hope is a time for us all to come together and show those that need to hear it that they are never alone.

“We hope our new ‘Bench of Hope’ will be a small everyday reminder that, even when you feel hopeless, there is always hope and there is always somebody to turn to – to offer help, or simply to listen.

“There are so many local and national organisations who can provide support to those who are struggling, and the Hub of Hope brings them all together in one place so residents can find support when they need it.”

The idea to include the Bench of Hope in the improved Civic Square follows similar installations at Wigan’s Believe Square where there is a bench dedicated to those lost to suicide, and where a permanent suicide memorial was unveiled last September following fundraising from the Wigan Survivors Of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS) group.

Behind the new bench are Janet and Noel Taylor, two Leigh residents who founded the Bolton SOBS group back in August 2001.

The couple are SOBS’ longest-serving volunteers, having initially been supported by the charity following the death of their son the previous year.

Noel said: “We were only the 10th SOBS group in the country at the time and we had people travelling from as far as the Lake District. Now there must be close to 100 groups - including ones in Wigan, Manchester and Clitheroe set up by people who first came to our group for support.

“So many people have said: ‘if it wasn’t for the group, I wouldn’t be here today’. That makes us really proud.”

Janet, who is also a member of the charity’s board of trustees, added: “We’re really pleased about the bench. It’s not only a place to sit and reflect, it’s got information on it about all the support that’s available. You don’t even have to go anywhere, you can just scan the QR code.

“It’s ideal, and we hope it will help people find the help they need.”

If you or someone you know is in crisis, contact Samaritans on 116 123 or call NHS 111, option 2 (mental health).