Council works with charity for suicide prevention benches to be installed in Thanet

December 16, 2025 Kathy Bailes News 5

bench-5740382_640 — Special benches, with QR codes for help numbers, will be installed in Thanet Image by Deborah Jackson

Thanet council has partnered with charity Legends on the Bench to install suicide prevention benches in Thanet.

The charity has secured funding for two benches, one bench will be in Ramsgate and TDC is looking at locations for the second bench.

Each bench features a QR code that, when scanned, provides links and contact numbers for professional support and mental health services.

Thanet council says: “This initiative is a powerful way to support our residents’ mental wellbeing, with the charity managing all aspects, including funding, installation, and maintenance.”

Legends on the Bench, which was set up in memory of 23-year-old Jay Mead who sadly took his own life due to mental health issues, says: “At Legend-on-the-Bench, our vision is to combat mental health issues and prevent suicides by providing accessible resources and support to individuals in need.

“We believe that there should be no stigma attached to mental health challenges, and we aim to create a safe environment where people can research and obtain vital contact information for themselves or someone they care about.

“To achieve this, we are installing Suicide Prevention benches in public parks across the UK, each featuring a QR code that can be easily scanned with a smartphone. This QR code will direct users to a comprehensive reference list of professional support groups, complete with contact numbers, website links, and email addresses. Our goal is to ensure that help is just a scan away, fostering a community of support and understanding for those facing mental health struggles.”

In Broadstairs there is also a bench in memory of Gabriel Farmer who took his life when he was just 23.

Mum Louise installed a memorial bench at the bottom of Seacroft Road last year and it includes a a poem and support numbers.

Louise had desperately sought support but Gabriel was left without the professional intervention that may have helped him. He had been incorrectly discharged from QEQM Hospital as ‘low risk’ after a suicide attempt and sadly took his life just eight days later.

An inquest into Gabriel’s death heard he had tried to end his life on six occasions between August 2022 and April 2023.

Louise says she wants to prevent any other family going through the same pain and grief as hers and hopes the bench will play a part in that.

Ben’s Chatty Bench (Photo Rachael Stone)

There is also the ‘chatty bench’ installed at Westbrook’s Sunken Gardens as a lasting legacy to dad-of-three Ben Stone who took his life in 2019 after being unable to access the help he needed.

Winterstoke Gardens and East Cliff Projects volunteers at one of the chat benches

In 2019 volunteers with the Winterstoke Gardens and East Cliff Projects in Ramsgate unveiled two ‘chat benches.’

The group took to Victoria Parade, clearing back bushes so the benches placed either side of the fountain have a calming view.

After varnishing the six benches, three each either side of the fountain, the group worked together to create two chat bench signs for each middle bench.