A NEW suicide awareness bench has been unveiled in Leigh.
Located in Civic Square in the town centre, the bench was revealed on World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10) as a symbol of hope and support for those struggling with their mental health.
The bench includes a plaque with a QR code linking to the Hub of Hope, an online directory of mental health and wellbeing services.
It also pays tribute to Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS), a peer-led charity offering support to adults affected by suicide loss.
Councillor Keith Cunliffe, deputy leader of Wigan Council and cabinet portfolio holder for adult social care and health, said: "Suicide continues to have a devastating impact on our communities, and the Month of Hope is a time for us all to come together and show those that need to hear it that they are never alone.
"We hope our new 'Bench of Hope' will be a small everyday reminder that, even when you feel hopeless, there is always hope and there is always somebody to turn to – to offer help, or simply to listen."
The bench forms part of wider efforts to reduce stigma around mental health and promote a community approach to suicide prevention.
It follows similar installations in Wigan’s Believe Square, where a suicide memorial was unveiled last September after fundraising by the Wigan SOBS group.
The idea for the Leigh bench was supported by Janet and Noel Taylor, residents who founded the Bolton SOBS group in August 2001 after losing their son.
Mr Taylor said: "We were only the 10th SOBS group in the country at the time and we had people travelling from as far as the Lake District.
"Now there must be close to 100 groups – including ones in Wigan, Manchester and Clitheroe set up by people who first came to our group for support."
Mrs Taylor, a trustee of the charity, said: "We're really pleased about the bench.
"It’s not only a place to sit and reflect, it’s got information on it about all the support that’s available.
"You don’t even have to go anywhere, you can just scan the QR code."
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