Chatty bench unveiled at coastal beauty spot

The bench was painted by local artist Helena Chessher

A specially created bench to encourage people to talk about their mental health has been installed at a Dorset coastal beauty spot.

The so-called chatty bench, hand-painted by local artist Helena Chessher, was unveiled on the hillside at Bowleaze Cove near Weymouth.

Passers by are encouraged to sit on the bench if they are open to having a conversation.

Dorset Mind said the bench symbolised "hope, warmth, and togetherness".

The Chatty Bench campaign, supported by the Dorset Tea company, forms part of the charity's mission to make mental health conversations open and accessible to everyone.

Along with others due to be installed across Dorset, the bench is intended to be a place where anyone can strike up a chat.

Nick Rowe, corporate and major donor fundraiser for Dorset Mind, said: "We believe that talking is the first step towards better mental health.

"This bench, supported by Dorset Tea, gives people a place to connect - with kindness, understanding, and, of course, a comforting cuppa."