Community Mind Matters life coach is calling for change after the mental health bench in Spalding’s Ayscoughfee Gardens, has been damaged by vandals

A mental health advocate is calling for change after a vandalism incident.

Community Mind Matters campaigner, Vanessa Browning, says she feels upset and sad after finding the sign for the mental health bench in Ayscoughfee Gardens, Spalding, had been destroyed.

Vanessa said: “The mental health bench is normally open every Monday and I went into Ayscoughfee to see if anyone was there.

“The sign had been completely destroyed – it was quite upsetting to see.

“It’s made of metal but it looks like it has been bent and sawn in half. They must have had to use tools and it’s scary to think someone had come into the gardens with a weapon.”

The mental health bench was first set up in 2020 to help people suffering from loneliness, depression, anxiety or bereavement.

Instead of going to a clinic or office setting, those seeking help can sit on the bench, which overlooks the pond, and speak to a support worker between 12pm and 2pm.

Vanessa explained that the act of vandalism has now put a stop to this service until they can get a new sign. She added: “Those gardens are so precious and for someone to go in and destroy something which is part of that, it’s awful.

“The bench is very important to people in need. It was so upsetting to find and I think we need more support there. It’s such a beautiful place but there isn’t really anyone who monitors or oversees it, therefore people can get away with stuff.

“It’s a gem for Spalding and my bench has been there for four years and has never been destroyed before, but after this happened I wasn’t able to offer any support and I can’t continue to do it unless the sign is back.

“We should be getting a new one in the next couple of weeks and we are planning to change the day to Thursdays instead but I think everyone who saw it felt sad.”

The sign was discovered in a nearby bush on Monday last week by one of the gardeners, who called Vanessa to tell her the bad news.

The act is suspected to have taken place at the weekend.

A spokesperson for South Holland District Council said: “Gardeners found the sign on Monday morning, and let Vanessa know before she got onsite. No other damage was caused in the area and this was reported along the correct channels by the team.”