Bench in Spalding's Ayscoughfee Gardens where people can seek help on mental health

People suffering from loneliness, depression, anxiety or bereavement can now find a peaceful spot in Spalding to talk to a support worker.

Community Mind Matters are trialling a project to get local people talking about mental health in Ayscoughfee Gardens.

Instead of going to a clinic or office setting, those seeking comfort can go to a bench overlooking the ornamental pond to speak to the support worker on Mondays from midday-2pm.

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.”

Ayscoughfee Hall hosts the Community Mind Matters weekly support groups on Sundays and Thursdays from midday-4pm.

The bench has 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 bench also promotes some emergency support options for visitors to Asycoughfee Gardens.

Group member Coun 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.”

Coun Gary Taylor, district council portfolio holder for communities and facilities, said the council was happy to support the bench project.

He said: “We hope it will provide an invaluable resource to help residents and visitors and give them a place to sit and share their feelings in confidence.”

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