Ayrshire College has introduced Talking Benches at its Ayr campus as part of an initiative designed to encourage more open conversations about mental health.
The college has worked with a community mental-health project to create visible spaces where students, staff and visitors can pause, talk and reflect. The benches are now in place across the college’s Ayr, Kilmarnock and Kilwinning campuses.
QR codes connect people to support
Each bench features QR codes linking directly to mental-health services, support organisations and crisis helplines. The aim is to make information about help available in a prominent and accessible place, while encouraging people to check in with one another.
Angela Cox, principal and chief executive of Ayrshire College, said the project was intended to help the college community look out for one another and speak more openly about mental health.
“This initiative is designed to encourage our college community to look out for one another and speak openly about their mental health. It is vital that people know they are not alone and Talking Benches are about creating safe spaces where people can have conversations with judgement or stigma.”
Project inspired by Ayrshire Fit Dads friendships
The Talking Bench project was founded by Robert Telford and was inspired by friendships formed through the Ayrshire Fit Dads group. Telford said the benches were based on the belief that nobody should have to face life’s challenges alone.
“The Talking Bench is built on a simple idea: no one should ever feel they have to face life's challenges alone. We hope these benches encourage people to pause, start a conversation and remind one another that help is always within reach.”
He added that, although the project team met through Fit Ayrshire Dads, the initiative was intended to support everyone. The benches are presented as places for anyone seeking a conversation, a listening ear or simply time to gather their thoughts.
The college said the initiative is intended for students, staff, visitors and the wider community, reflecting the project’s message that mental health does not discriminate.
