‘Friendship benches’ to offer free mental health support in Sussex

Counsellors called ‘grandmothers’ and ‘grandfathers’ will provide listening ear through Zimbabwe-founded initiativePeople in Sussex who are depressed, lonely or anxious are to be offered free, easily accessible support through the Friendship Bench, a pioneering pilot spreading around the world.The Friendship Bench scheme, which involves a wooden park bench being placed in a public space, offers a listening ear, in the shape of so-called “grandmothers” and “grandfathers” to anyone passing. Continue reading...