Calls for Limerick to introduce ‘buddy bench’ for people struggling with mental health

The local councillor made the call for a 'buddy bench' to be introduced.

SINN Fein councillor Ursula Gavan wants to see Limerick lead the way in becoming an advocate for a mental health initiative known as the ‘buddy bench’.

The initiative aims to highlight existing benches along the river as a breathing space which would incorporate a positive quote placed on the bench with a QR code providing local helpline numbers to assist anyone potentially in distress.

โ€œItโ€™s a non-verbal way of letting people know that you are having a bad day or moment, you are lonely, or you would just like to talk,โ€ Cllr Gavan explained.

The Council said it will examine the feasibility of installing this information on existing benches along the Three Bridges route in the Limerick City area.

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