HelloBench
Cirencester Town Council has announced a new partnership with HelloBench and the mental health charity Chasing the Stigma to install a dedicated support bench in St Michael’s Park. This collaboration aims to foster a culture where mental health is discussed as openly as physical health, ensuring that residents and visitors can access vital support services before reaching a point of crisis.
The new HelloBench serves as a physical point of connection within the community, featuring integrated signposting to the Hub of Hope. Created by Chasing the Stigma, the Hub of Hope is the UK’s most comprehensive mental health support tool, listing more than 14,000 services nationwide.
By simply scanning a QR code located on the bench, users can instantly find local and national support for a wide range of needs, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD, as well as underlying concerns such as loneliness, financial stress, or addiction.
The Hub of Hope currently serves an average of 30,000 users per month, directing them to life-saving support. The platform is free to use and includes a ‘Get Urgent Help’ button for those in immediate distress, connecting them directly to 24/7 crisis lines.
Residents are encouraged to visit the new bench in St Michael’s Park to learn more. The Hub of Hope can also be accessed at any time via www.hubofhope.co.uk or by downloading the app for free on the App Store and Google Play.