27 Oct 2026
Two benches aimed at helping those who would benefit from mental health support or may have suicidal feelings have been unveiled in Harpenden.
The Legend on the Bench benches have been installed at Batford Green and the town centre’s fountain area after being purchased by charitable trust The Amateurs Trust with the support of Harpenden Town Council.
They provide a place to sit as well as a visual display of community awareness of suicide prevention and support for someone at their lowest moment. Each bench displays contact numbers and QR codes linking directly to crisis support services, and integral lighting ensuring they are visible and accessible at all times.
Nationwide charity Legend on the Bench works with local communities to place benches across the UK and Ireland as part of its goal of reducing the number of tragedies recorded each year due to mental health issues or suicides.
Pam Brown, who was born and raised in Harpenden, represented The Amateurs Trust at the unveiling, and explained: “We are keen to support mental health charities and do this in various ways as it is such an important issue. When I read about Legend on the Bench and their contribution to suicide prevention, I felt strongly that benches in Harpenden would be very worthwhile for our community. It is our hope that Legend on the Bench is a reminder to anyone who needs support that help is available.”
Harpenden Town Mayor, Cllr Kirsti Wenn added: “Thank you to Pam Brown and The Amateurs Trust for their work with Legend on the Bench. This is an exceptional charity and its work towards combating mental health issues and preventing suicides is so important. The town council is so pleased to be able to support this initiative with the addition of two benches in public areas.”
If you or someone you know would like to access support and talk to someone now, please call the Samaritans on 116 123. Samaritans is a free to call phone line, accessible 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Whatever you’re going through, a Samaritan will face it with you.
