Benches encouraging people to talk

Organisers said the benches could help with "reducing social isolation"

An initiative to help people talk about their emotions has placed a "talking bench" outside a charity in Guernsey.

Organisers Aileen Morgan, Colette Quertier and Sarah Bamford have all lost sons to suicide and hope the initiative will help prevent further deaths.

The latest bench is outside charity Grow in St Sampson's. There are already talking benches in St Peter Port, the Forest and St Martins and there is an aim to have in every parish.

Mrs Bamford said having a dedicated place to talk could help with "reducing social isolation".

She said: "The aim of the benches is to provide a place where people can talk and others can listen.

"Research has shown that talking helps with a problem and we can all make someone’s life better by listening."

'An important message'

The benches, either painted bright green or orange, are inscribed with the message "because we care".

The CEO of Grow Karen Blanchford, a charity which provides a "safe and secure working environment" for people with learning and other disabilities, said it was "important to encourage our crew, staff, volunteers and members of the community to have mental health conversations, whether in their workplace or visiting our site".

"The aim of providing talking benches is to reduce social isolation.

"We feel it is an important message for all and are delighted to partner in this initiative."