TalkingPoints
Be part of the conversation
The TalkingPoint bench idea began in 2019. Acknowledging the semi colon as the universal symbol for mental health, trauma and suicide survival- as the author uses the semi colon to show he has not finished a sentence, so the semi colon is becoming the symbol of survival denoting My story isn't over.
The TalkingPoint benches serve as a chat bench to connect and reflect, but also by design generate interest in their appearance to provoke and promote the mental health conversation in passers by. The TalkingPoint bench also acts as a visual reminder encouraging us to reach out for support, check-in on friends and family and connect.
Isolation and loneliness are huge factors in mental health struggles. We can all find ourselves overwhelmed and not know where to turn. Sometimes we just need to connect with someone- anyone- and have a conversation. Any conversation can be the difference for someone to make it through to tomorrow
We want to make more benches. We want them to become symbols of supportive and cohesive communities empowered to reduce isolation and loneliness. If you are interested in supporting the TalkingPoint project; or know anywhere you feel would be suitable for a semi colon bench please drop us an email at admin@weareaware.info or visit out fundraising page
If you visit one of the TalkingPoint benches why not post a selfie on social media and tag We Are Aware with the hashtags #ClevedonTalkingPoint #NailseaTalkingpoint #PortsmouthTalkingPoint #PortisheadTalkingPoint #BristolTalkingPoint
The Growing TalkingPoint Family
These are the amazing organizations involved so far in the TalkingPoint story
Somerset Wood Recycling
Clevedon's Men's Shed
North Somerset Council
Alliance Homes
Hope Against Suicide
Ark Plastics
R;pple Suicide Prevention
Jones Builders
Crown Paints
Bristol City Council
A massive thank you to Steve Phillip of the Jordan Legacy for his post referencing the TalkingPoint benches on Linkedin. The response has bee amazing and put us in touch with some other great causes who want to be part of the TalkingPoint story and have their own semi colon bench to promote and provoke the conversation around mental health.
Much goes into deciding a location for a TalkingPoint bench to ensure their positions are places of reflection as well as high footfall to maximise the opportunity for conversation and connection. We've been having some great conversations with other organisations beoth here in the UK and abroad about possible locations, and ways to facilitate more TalkingPoint benches to keep the conversations going.
We've met some amazing people and had some really important conversations along the way - through designing, promoting, installing and celebrating the benches.
The story isn't over
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