Mental health charity hopes benches will save lives

The benches have been unveiled in Kettering, Irthlingborough and Moulton

A charity hopes three new suicide prevention benches will encourage people experiencing feelings of despair to seek help.

The seats, in Irthlingborough, Kettering and Moulton, have been installed by Legend on the Bench (LOTB) and feature inspirational messages, information and helpline numbers.

"It's quite emotional. Once you see the bench revealed, you know from that moment it's hopefully going to start helping people," said Mervyn Hemmington, LOTB's champion for Northamptonshire.

The charity was founded by former Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea player Mickey Hazard after his nephew Jay took his own life in 2019.

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LOTB hopes the benches underline the message that "someone is always listening".

They are at Kettering's Rockingham Pleasure Park, an orchard in Moulton and Irthlingborough's recreation ground.

It follows installations in Abington Park, Northampton, and the village of Mawsley.

Mr Hemmington became involved in LOTB after meeting Mickey Hazard at an event.

"Sometimes in life you set a target and this came along at the right time," he said.

Mr Hemmington and his colleagues at a building supplies company have since raised £10,000, funding five benches across the county.

At the Northampton unveiling, Jane Birch, the mayor, said: "The information on this bench, provides access to support services which could be the first step for someone accessing the help they need."