About the benches
Saving lives, one bench at a time.
What it is
The Red Bench Project places painted red benches at or near suicide hotspots across the UK. Each one carries the Samaritans number and a QR code linking to mental health support.
How a bench helps
A place to pause. Somewhere to sit, breathe, and let the moment pass — long enough to think again.
A silent cry for help. Sitting on a Red Bench can be a quiet way of saying "I'm not okay." If you see someone sitting alone on one, stop and say hello. A small kindness from a stranger can break the spell.
The story behind it
The project was founded in 2023 by Wayne "Rambo" Groves in South Tyneside, in memory of his friend Mick Beatie. Wayne came up with the idea after his own struggle with depression and a suicide attempt.
What started as one bench on the seafront at South Shields has grown into a movement — with benches across the North East, the Lake District, Margate, and more being installed across the UK.
The official project
This map is a community tool to help people find Red Benches. The official charity is run by Wayne and his team.
Visit theredbenchproject.co.uk →If you're struggling right now
You don't have to go through this alone. Help is free, confidential, and available.
Samaritans24/7 — 116 123 Text SHOUT to 8525824/7 text CALM5pm–midnight — 0800 58 58 58 Papyrus HOPELINE247Under 35s — 0800 068 4141In an emergency, call 999.
A community-built companion to The Red Bench Project.