Third 'talking bench' in Town

Tuesday 15 February 2022

Three local mums who lost their sons to suicide are expanding their 'talking bench' project to promote good mental health through conversation.

The island's third 'talking bench' was officially opened yesterday in Market Square in Town. The first two were put up last year in the Forest and St Martin's respectively.

The three mums - Aileen Morgan, Sarah Bamford and Colette Quertier - are now affectionately known as 'the bench ladies'. They hope to see many more 'talking benches' erected across the island to encourage people to talk and share their thoughts and challenges. 

Organisers said: "It is well known that when people talk to each other life can be better.

"The plan is for more of these benches to encourage people to talk, thereby improving lives. This could be a simple conversation about the weather to favourite music or simply listening to a stranger who might want to talk."

Pictured: The group say that talking to other people, even strangers, can be beneficial to mental health.

The charity Go paints the benches bright orange to make them clearly visible and they carry a plaque which reads: ‘Please Talk’.

The bench opened in Market Square yesterday was welcomed by St. Peter Port Constable Zoe Lihou.

“There is no substitute for talking to people, which is why I am delighted to support this initiative," said Mrs Lihou.

“I'd encourage residents and those working or socialising in Town to take a moment and make time for a chat and brighten someone's day.”

Pictured: The new 'talking bench' in Town was welcomed by Constable Zoe Lihou.

Market Square is managed by Bailiwick Estates. Director Sonia Taylor said: "This is a great opportunity to support the community and highlight the matters of loneliness, depression and anxiety and the importance of talking to each other throughout the year."

Jim Coupe, Managing Director at Skipton International, whose community fund is paying for the latest bench, said: “This is a great opportunity for Skipton to support the community and highlight the importance of talking to each other throughout the year.

"It is our pleasure to support Aileen, Sarah and Collette in this uplifting initiative.”

Pictured (top): Aileen Morgan, Sarah Bamford and Colette Quertier are joined on the island's newest 'talking bench' by Annette Wales of Skipton International.