Mental health bench unveiled 'to give hope'

A bench has been unveiled in a Surrey town with the aim of helping people struggling with mental health, with fundraisers saying they hope it will "go on to save many lives".

The bench in Phillips Memorial Park in Godalming has been fitted with a solar-powered glowing light as well as plaques signposting people to support services.

Fundraiser Mike Clarke Senior said he hoped more benches would be installed across the region.

He said: "Hopefully this bench will go on to save many lives. It's my intention to raise as many as possible in the area."

The bench, created by charity Legend on the Bench, is the 110th of its kind in the UK, with another in Godalming's Broadwater Park, and others in Guildford, Leatherhead and Woking.

A spokesperson for Waverley Borough Council said it was "pleased to help bring this meaningful initiative to Godalming".

The bench was unveiled by former Tottenham Hotspur, Southampton and Guildford City footballer David Howells on Saturday.

Howells, who is from Guildford, said: "This bench gives hope and there are messages that someone is there listening, and there to talk to.

"If it changes one person's mind then it has all been worthwhile."

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