World Mental Health Day

Brilliant volunteers with the Winterstoke Gardens and East Cliff Projects in Ramsgate have unveiled two ‘chat benches, today to coincide with World Mental Health Day (October 10).

Over the past four years the group has donated thousands of volunteer hours clearing and planting at Winterstoke Gardens and along the East Cliff.

This time they turned their attention to the area  off Victoria Parade, clearing back bushes so the benches placed either side of the fountain have a calming view.

After varnishing the six benches, three each either side of the fountain, the group worked together to create two chat bench signs for each middle bench.

The fantastic signs were created by Bruce Gibson – son of volunteer Clara – and encased in Perspex by volunteer David Barber.

The group were helped with funding by Sir Moses Moneifiore ward councillor Mark Hopkinson and Ramsgate Town Councillor Pat Makinson.

Chat benches have been installed across the country, including by Avon and Somerset Police. The sign is an invite to sit and have a conversation with whoever else is there. The aim is to combat loneliness and isolation.

A study published by the University of Sheffield in 2015, also found sitting on benches allows people to spend longer outside, which is beneficial for mental health.

Clara said: “We thought of it in July when we were doing our slogathon event, varnishing benches and trimming the bushes which hadn’t been done by the council for a very long time.

“The view is beautiful and revitalising and people can just sit here and absorb that.”