A Hope Bench has been installed at Half Moon Bay, Heysham – the second one in the district.

It follows the installation of a bench near Carlisle Bridge, Lancaster, last month.

Each bench carries simple, reassuring messages for anyone who may be feeling overwhelmed, lonely or in need of a quiet moment to remind them that they’re not alone and that support is available.

One of the Lancaster City Council teams has continued to get involved with the local project to install Hope Benches in the district – creating a calm space where people can pause, reflect and know that support is close by.

A Hope Bench has been installed at Half Moon Bay, Heysham and provides a calm welcoming space to sit and enjoy the view.

placeholder image — A Hope Bench has been installed at Half Moon Bay, Heysham and provides a calm welcoming space to sit and enjoy the view.

A spokesman for Lancaster District CVS said: “Following the launch of the first Hope Bench in Lancaster, we’re so pleased to see the second Hope Bench now in place at Half Moon Bay, Heysham.

“Created by the Lancaster District Adult Mental Health Forum, Hope Benches are much more than somewhere to sit.

"They are quiet, welcoming spaces where people can pause, take a breath and be reminded that they are not alone. Each bench offers simple signposting to local and national support, helping people find the right help before they reach crisis.

“We know that asking for help isn't always easy. Sometimes all it takes is one moment to stop, one reassuring message, or one conversation to help someone take that first step towards support. “ “That's why these benches matter.

A Hope Bench has been installed at Half Moon Bay, Heysham and provides a calm welcoming space for people to enjoy the view.

Hope Bench installed on Lancaster quayside will provide calm space

“This project has only been possible thanks to the incredible partnership between local organisations, volunteers and supporters who share a simple belief...that everyone deserves hope, compassion and somewhere to turn when life feels overwhelming.

“If you're passing by the new Hope Bench, take a moment to sit, enjoy the view and remember... whatever you're facing, you don't have to face it alone.

"Thanks to the Lancaster District Adult Mental Health Forum, Lancaster City Council, Positive Futures, Samaritans, The Bay: A Blueprint for Recovery, Adullam, Lancaster Mens Hub, Exergonic Coaching CIC, CancerCare North Lancashire and South Cumbria, Adults with Autism, Wildlife Wellbeing Walks CIC, and everyone who contributed to making this possible.”

To find out more about the Hope Benches project, visit https://lancastercvs.org.uk/hope-benches-your-support/