This week, we unveiled a special initiative we’ve been working on for some time—a talking bench. While a bench in itself might not seem too special, this one truly is. Designed in the shape of a unique semicolon (a wonderful idea from the North Somerset charity, We Are Aware), it serves multiple meaningful purposes.

Not only does it acknowledge and honour those we’ve lost to suicide, but it also symbolises the semicolon’s message of hope: to ‘pause; your story isn’t over yet.” It offers a space for people to stop, reflect, and take a moment—to stay safe for now and avoid making what could be the most important decision of their lives, encouraging the prospect that, even in moments of hopelessness, there is more to come from life—more that is good even though right now life might feel so hopeless. And at the same time, this mental health bench encourages and promotes open and meaningful conversations about mental health, helping to break the stigma surrounding it.

We were joined by Carmen and Louisa Briggs from The BID, Svend, Head of Operations for Cabot Circus, Claire from the Harbourmaster’s team, Clark from Bristol City Council, Lord Mayor Andrew Varney, Councillors Andrew Brown and Lorraine Francis, Becky from We Are Aware, and John, who has been an inspirational advocate for open conversations around mental health after tragically losing his beloved son, Max, to suicide. Our bench honours Max, with his name inscribed on the plaque in loving memory.

Inscribed on the two personalised bench plaques is a description of the bench’s purpose, and essential helpline numbers for those struggling with their mental health. It also crucially includes the What3Words coordinates for the bench’s exact location.

Thank you to John, and to Craig- our volunteer and business owner of 24/7 auto repairs for their financial contribution that made this bench possible. We also extend our gratitude to everyone who has supported its presence in our city.