Grow, in St Sampsons, has been chosen as the latest destination for talking benches as the organisers of this initiative continue their quest to place benches in every parish.
Each bench is inscribed ‘Because we care.’
Aileen Morgan, Colette Quertier and Sarah Bamford, who have all have lost sons to suicide, came up with the idea to provide the benches. Mrs Bamford said: “The aim of the benches is to provide a place where people can talk and others can listen. Research has shown that talking helps with a problem and we can all make someone’s life better by listening. We are delighted to be supporting a charity with the similar aim of reducing social isolation.”
Talking Benches are already located in St Peter Port , the Forest and St Martins. They are painted either bright green or bright orange.
Karen Blanchford Grow’s CEO was delighted to accept the benches, which were constructed and painted in the workshop at Guernsey Prison through CLIP, Creative Learning in Prison.
Mrs Blanchford said: “In my role as mental health first aider, I feel it is important to encourage our Crew (adults with learning disabilities), staff, volunteers and members of the community to have mental health conversations, whether in their workplace or visiting our site.
“The aim of providing talking benches is to reduce social isolation. We feel it is an important message for all and are delighted to partner in this initiative.”
The Talking Benches are located near the entrance to Grow’s central hub and adjacent to the training café.
Pictured: Adam Tardival, Prison Officer, James Ferguson Grow Hospitality Manager, Rich Portsmouth Grow Training and Development Manager, Alex Houchard Grow Crew, Michael Sheen from GO. Tom Lowe and Roger Lawrence Grow Crew with Talking Benches Sarah Bamford.
