World Mental Health Day 2024: Park benches offer mental health support and connection
New signs have been installed on benches across Springfield Park, offering a simple yet impactful way to raise awareness of mental health support, especially in times of crisis. The signs display the Trust’s 24/7 Mental Health Crisis Line (0800 028 8000) and the recently launched NHS 111 for Mental Health service.
Vanessa Ford, Chief Executive at South West London at St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust, said: “We understand that finding the right support during a mental health crisis can feel overwhelming. These benches provide a simple way to share important information about where to turn for help when it’s needed most. By placing these signs in a public space, we hope our local residents and visitors to the park will notice them and feel empowered to reach out for support, whether for themselves or someone else.”
The Mental Health Crisis Line is open to everyone – adults, children, and those who have never accessed mental health services before. You can call for yourself or on behalf of someone else. The NHS 111 for Mental Health service, introduced this year in South London, offers another way for people with urgent mental health concerns to get expert advice, clinical support, and guidance around the clock.
Vanessa continued: “If you or someone you know is feeling unsafe, distressed, or worried about their mental health, please call us. Our team of specially trained mental health practitioners and clinicians are always here to listen, support and help you.”
Along with promoting crisis support, the benches are also designed to encourage connection. Local people are invited to use them as spaces to connect with others and maybe even make a new friend.
Vanessa added: “If you see someone sitting on one of the benches, why not say hello? A small conversation could brighten someone’s day or teach you something new!”
The initiative is part of the Trust’s ongoing commitment to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and raising awareness. As part of this work, the Trust is offering free Mental Health First Aid Champion training through a community programme funded by NHS Charities Together, in partnership with Mental Health First Aid England. The course teaches practical skills for supporting mental wellbeing, spotting the signs of mental ill-health, and offering first aid support when needed.
Felicity, a South West London support worker, mum, and aspiring mental health nurse,
shared her thoughts: “I think initiatives like this are fantastic, and I hope the benches will help normalise conversations around mental health. My children have been helped by CAMHS, and it’s shown me that poor mental health can affect anyone – it doesn’t discriminate. That’s why it’s so important for us to be there for each other and know how to offer support.”
Felicity, who has also completed the Mental Health First Aid Champion training, added: “The course was brilliant, and it’s great that it’s open to everyone – from health professionals to those with lived experience. It was inspiring to see individuals who had been through their own recovery journeys now wanting to give back and help others. The training is also so accessible – anyone can learn the skills to support someone who might be struggling with their mental health.”
Find more information about the mental health support available in South West London.
Learn more about the Mental Health First Aid training programme and sign up.
