New bench with important meaning behind it installed by charity in Lincoln

A new bench with an important meaning behind it has been installed in Lincoln. An unveiling ceremony will take place at 10.30am on Saturday, November 23 for the bench at Jarvis House on Ashby Avenue, which has been installed by the not-for-profit charity Legend on the Bench.

The organisation places suicide prevention benches across the country as a way of supporting mental health and suicide prevention efforts. This bench has a number of contact numbers and a QR code in its design, which will provide direct access to mental health resources on the Legend on the Bench help page.

The benches also have integral lighting to offer a comforting glow at night, and symbolising how there is always a ray of hope in dark times. The charity’s founder and former footballer Micky Hazard will unveil the bench alongside City of Lincoln Councillor Biff Bean, Ben Schofield, chair of the Lincoln United FC fan group 1938 United, and members of the Lincoln City Former Players Association.

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Lincoln reports one of the highest suicide rates in England, at 20.1 per 100,000 between 2021 and 2023, whereas the national average for that same period is 10.7 per 100,000. This new bench represents a critical step in the county's support of mental health and suicide prevention efforts in the community.

Due to the importance of this, the City of Lincoln council has donated a piece of its land for the bench, which was installed with the support of Lincs Civil Engineering.

Micky Hazard and his sister Michelle created Legend on the Bench after Michelle tragically lost her son to suicide, driven by mental health challenges. The pair is now on a mission to place these benches in all parks across the UK.

They hope that these benches can act as beacons of hope and offer practical support for those in crisis. Each bench is designed with contact numbers and QR codes, providing direct access to mental health resources on the Legend on the Bench help page, and integral lighting. It aims to offer a comforting glow at night, symbolising a ray of hope in dark times.

Councillor Bean, who worked closely with Micky Hazard to facilitate this project, said: "We are deeply honoured to support this initiative. The Suicide Prevention Bench is more than just a bench, it’s a lifeline, a beacon of support, and a powerful reminder that no one is alone."

Councillor Nannestad, portfolio holder for quality housing at City of Lincoln Council, added: “ We are extremely pleased to be involved in this initiative by assisting in the construction of the bench’s base and donating the land on which it will be placed. Suicide and mental health challenges are pressing issues that claim countless lives unnecessarily.

"If this Suicide Prevention Bench can save even one life or help someone struggling to seek help, then it will be worth its weight in gold.” The community is invited to the unveiling event, where they can show support and learn more about the resources available to help those in need.