A BENCH has been put in the city centre to promote mental health in Southampton.

The humble bench is part of a project to inspire passersby to process emotions and expand imaginations.

It is part of a campaign to encourage people to talk about their mental health.

The design of the bench was created by Eastleigh student JoJo Lewis, who graduated from Solent University.

It features Solent Mind’s wellbeing helpline number, along with the text “Take a minute, take a breath, call a friend”.

The bench along Above Bar Street, is part of the BENCH Project which is a public art commission created by Solent Showcase Gallery and GO! Southampton, with support from Balfour Beatty and Southampton City Council.

JoJo said: “I wanted to create something reassuring and positive for the city centre, especially as we are living through such troubling times. I wanted to initiate a time of reflection or conversations with friends and family. I felt it was extremely important to show the Solent Mind’s helpline too, so people can see that local support is available to anyone who needs it.

"Throughout lockdown on social media, helplines are being shared to access support. I thought this would be a brilliant opportunity to show that to the community that may not be online, or out as a key worker, in a more permanent and reachable way.

"I’ve had an amazing reaction from this bench. People have said that the message of the bench is really important. Solent Mind is a great place for people to get help and it needs to be heard more. Pieces like this are a step in the right direction for a positive impact on the community.”

Residents in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight can contact trained wellbeing advisors from 8am-9am & 5pm-8pm on weekdays and 9am-5pm on weekends.