00:00Not simply a park bench, this latest seat in Ashford hopes to show people struggling with their mental health that
00:08support is available.
00:09And the bench has a personal meaning for councillor Ellie Crook, who started fundraising for it after losing her close
00:16friend to suicide.
00:18At the beginning I said, why don't we just dedicate the bench to her and they were really supportive of
00:25it.
00:25So, yeah, so that's why we've got a lovely little plaque there and all their family can come up and
00:32sit on the bench as well.
00:34Part of a nationwide campaign, this bench is the first of its kind here in Ashford.
00:40And the message is simple, that someone is always listening.
00:44And for people here in Kennington, they're hoping that the bench will encourage people to seek support if they need
00:52it.
00:52If it even just saves a life or many lives, that'd be lovely.
00:57Just, I'd say it's been, if it can save one life, two lives, or even getting the support that they
01:05need, that'd be lovely.
01:07The bench has a plaque detailing various helplines where people can seek support,
01:12and is the 21st installed here in Kent as part of the Legend on the Bench campaign.
01:18It's unveiling at Spear Point Pavilion was attended by members of the local community,
01:24as well as Ashford Borough Council's deputy mayor, who was widowed to suicide when she was 23.
01:30I don't want any family to go through what I went through as a young adult.
01:36Well, not only have you got the grief of losing somebody, but all the questions about the why, the investigations,
01:45the coroners, etc.
01:47It's an awful, awful experience for those nearest and dearest.
01:53To get the bench installed, Ellie raised £2,000,
01:56with councillor Dickon Spain also supporting the project with part of his members' grant.
02:01If this prevents somebody committing suicide, it'll have done its job,
02:06but I'm hoping, obviously, that it'll have a massive positive influence locally.
02:11But hats off to Ellie. She's done a fantastic, fantastic job.
02:16With plans for future benches already underway,
02:20Ashford's community say they're more than just somewhere to enjoy the view.
02:24Sophie Denny for KMTV in Kennington.
