The Legend on the Bench charity will unveil the first five of 14 dedicated community benches on Sunday (15 February), across Thanet, Herne Bay and Dover.
Founded to combine the unifying power of football with community‑based mental health support, Legend on the Bench installs dedicated benches in areas where individuals may be vulnerable or in need of a moment of connection.
Each bench features supportive wording, a positive physical space to pause, and signposting to mental‑health services, encouraging people to reach out, reflect, and speak openly when they are struggling.
The installation of the first five benches has been fully funded by the East Kent Spurs Official Supporters Club, part of Tottenham Hotspur Football Club, following a year of fundraising activities and public events throughout 2025.
Their efforts have enabled the charity to begin delivering its mission of creating safe spaces aimed at supporting those with mental health issues and reducing the number of deaths by suicide each year.
The bench reveal events will be attended by Tottenham Hotspur legend Micky Hazard, representatives from the Legend on the Bench charity and local dignitaries, who will speak about the project’s community impact and the importance of suicide‑prevention initiatives across the region.
Nine additional benches will be installed later in 2026 as part of the Supporters Club and charity’s ongoing programme.
Unveilings in Thanet
The Thanet bench unveilings will be at Queen’s Promenade, Cliftonville, at noon (What3words Ages.Coffee.Formed). The second unveiling takes place at 1pm at the West Cliff Promenade in Broadstairs (opposite Seapoint Road. What3words Rarely.Brains.Truth) and finally 2pm at Westcliff Promenade in Ramsgate (Lookout Café end. What3words Suits.Precluded.Posts).
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If this would help a person to have a second thought in that time of doubt and feel there is hope and help for everyone try to reach out help is there
If ever I should feel suicidal I shall hotfoot it to the nearest park bench then.
You’re right – it’s not funny. Neither is the insane idea these seats will help anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts.
And you know ?
It’s a shame you feel that way. Anything that might raise awareness of these needless deaths is a good thing. Am sure you are doing something much better to help
This is a wonderful idea
There seems to be an epidemic of suicides in the country at the moment and it is the leading cause of death in males aged under 50. It can be triggered by many causes including loneliness, relationship breakdowns etc and the feeling that nobody cares. So if this project can encourage just one person to reach out for help it will be worth it. I too think it’s a wonderful idea, Samantha
Hopefully they will help someone in there darkest hours. Even finding someone to talk can help in the moment.