HAPPY to chat benches are being installed at 25 locations across the town.

St Helens Wellbeing say they are places where people can take a seat and chat to others as a way to support each other.

Talking about how you are doing is one vital way to help with your mental health.

The benches are in popular beauty spots including Sankey Valley, Taylor Park in St Helens and Mesnes Park in Newton. There are also two all weather benches at Sherdley Park.

The benches are one of the many ways that St Helens Borough Council and its partners are trying to provide mental health support for residents.

Councillor Michelle Sweeney, lead member for mental health, added: “It’s vital that we break down the stigma of talking about our mental health and these benches will help us to find the opportunity to talk to others about how we are feeling.

"These small steps can really add up and although we talk about having the difficult conversations around suicide when we feel people are struggling through our Okay To Ask campaign it’s much better to regularly talk about how we feel as a healthy way to deal with our emotions.”

Where are the benches located?

  • Banks Park
  • Sankey Valley Park - near Ranger Base / Pond
  • Sankey Valley - Earle Street
  • Saleswood Avenue - play area
  • KGV Haydock
  • Haresfinch Park
  • Mesnes Park
  • Willow Park - Lake
  • Gaskell Park
  • The Duckeries
  • Rainford North End Playing Field
  • Rainhill Park Playing Field
  • Sutton Park
  • Elephant Lane Thatto Heath Road Open Space
  • Sherdley Park Round Wood
  • Nanny Goat Park
  • Ravenhead Greenway Country Park_Lyons Yard
  • Foster's Park
  • KGV Grange Park Playing Field
  • Thatto Heath Park
  • Taylor Park
  • Queens Park
  • Victoria Park
  • Dentons Green Lane

For more details about St Helens Wellbeing Services help, see a full list of the benches locations and support visit www.sthelenswellbeing.org.uk/services/mental-wellbeing or call 01744 377111.

If anyone needs urgent support please contact The Samaritans on 116 123 or the free Mersey Care 24 hour Mental Health Crisis Line on 0800 051 1508.