Deputy Mayor unveils ‘suicide prevention’ bench in park

Poignant: Erewash Deputy Mayor Linda Burns, front, left, at unveiling of seat installed in Ilkeston’s Victoria Park in memory of those who have taken their own lives. The bench aims to deter others from suicide. Credit: EBC

A touching memorial to local people who have taken their own lives has been unveiled in an Erewash park – in the form of a bench that grieving families and friends hope will help deter others from suicide.

The tranquil wooden seat is designed for quiet reflection and bears the inscription: “Someone is always listening.”

Erewash’s Deputy Mayor Cllr Linda Burns helped to unveil it at a ceremony in a quiet corner of Ilkeston’s Victoria Park as she was joined by representatives from the local arm of the charity SoBS – Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide.

She said: “The bench is a testament to the charity’s tireless work supporting those devastated by loved ones taking their own lives – and aims to spotlight the issue of suicide prevention and mental health awareness.

“Plaques on it give hotline numbers for people to call for help – including The Samaritans, M.I.N.D and Childline. There is even a QR code that can be used by people with mobile phones – plus information on how to contact Veterans in Need.”

Similar seats – each made of solid African hardwood and costing £2,300 – have been appearing around the country in association with another charity called Legend on the Bench. Erewash’s is the 125th — and bears the words: “Donated by SoBS – ‘Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide’.”

The Deputy Mayor described SoBS as “a remarkable national charity that has been supporting people impacted by suicide loss for more than 35 years”. She told those who gathered for the unveiling: “What makes SoBS so special is that it is a volunteer-led, peer support organisation built on lived experience. The charity’s volunteers are people who themselves have experienced the devastating impact of suicide loss and who now use that experience to walk alongside others with compassion, understanding and hope.”

The Victoria Park seat is described by Legend on the Bench as “a place of comfort for those seeking it during dark times”.

A representative from the charity said of the “incredible and deeply moving” unveiling ceremony: “Standing alongside so many wonderful people, we were reminded once again of the extraordinary power of remembrance, compassion and community.

“Every bench we unveil carries a story. It represents a loved one remembered, a life celebrated, and a message of hope for anyone who may be struggling in silence.

“As always, the unveiling was nothing short of inspirational. The warmth, love, and support shown by everyone in attendance created an atmosphere that was both uplifting and profoundly meaningful.

“These moments remind us why Legend on the Bench continues to grow and touch so many lives across the country.”

The Suicide Prevention UK telephone number is 0800 587 0800. In a life-threatening emergency people should dial 999 first.