The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
A community group is not sitting still when it comes to getting people talking about mental health in Spalding.
Community Mind Matters have launched The Mental Health Matters Bench in Ayscoughfee Gardens.
Every Monday at noon until 2pm a Community Mind Matters Support Worker will be on hand to support victims of loneliness, depression, anxiety and bereavement.
The bench, which overlooks the ornamental lake, offers local people a two-hour window every week to sit and chat.
It’s been provided to Community Mind Matters to trial the project on a small scale before considering expanding into other areas of the town on different weekdays.
The group holds weekly support sessions on Sundays and Thursdays from noon to 4pm which the bench aims to support alongside Shout 24/7 text service and the Samaritans.
Community Mind Matters founder Vanessa Browning said: “This project could be a great help for anyone struggling with conventional support.
“People can expect a relaxed, informal environment without the need for appointments or costs.”
Councillor Jack McLean said: “We have had a lot of success building projects from the comfort and safety of Ayscoughfee and believe it will be perfect for trialling this project.”
Community Mind Matters can be found on Facebook for more information on the support groups and other projects.
