‘Listening Bench’ reveal

On Tuesday 5th May, Friends of Lowndes Park and Chiltern Samaritans were delighted to welcome The Mayor, local organisations and Chesham Town Council to the reveal of a Listening bench on the main avenue in Lowndes Park.

This special bench is part of an initiative led by Chiltern Samaritans, in partnership with Legend on the Bench and facilitated by Friends of Lowndes Park, with a simple but important purpose: to encourage connection in our community.

Samaritans are there for people going through difficult times, offering space to talk and to be heard. But the principle of listening is not limited to a helpline — it is something we can all bring into our everyday lives. The Listening Bench is a small but visible reminder of that idea: a place where people can sit, connect, and perhaps start a conversation — however small.

The bench carries the message “Someone is always listening” and includes contact details for support organisations such as Samaritans, CALM, and Childline. It also offers a few simple prompts to encourage meaningful human connection:

– Show you care

– Be present

– Just listen

– Try not to judge

– No advice needed

The charity Legend on the Bench was founded by former footballer Micky Hazard and his sister Michelle following a family tragedy when his young nephew took his own life.

They aim to place informative benches in every park in the UK, giving 24/access to crisis support. Every bench has built in lighting, making it a beacon of hope even in the darkest hours, visible and accessible at all times. The Chesham Bench is number #115.

The reveal was a short and informal gathering, with a few words from the Samaritans and Legend on the Bench followed by refreshments and, appropriately, the chance to chat and make meaningful connections.