'Talk on a bench' plan to provide support to people struggling in Limerick

LIMERICK City and County Council are to examine installing plaques on seats to provide support to people who may be feeling down.

Mental health advocate Paddy Hartnett approached councillors with the idea to place a notice on seats providing a variety of positive sayings, and QR codes which will provide links to people who are struggling so they can access help.

After he approached metropolitan district councillors for support, Sinn Fein’s Ursula Gavan saw a notice of motion passed calling for the introduction of the project, which has a working title of ‘Talk on a Bench’.

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And council director Kieran Lehane said the feasibility of installing this information on its own benches will now be looked at.

“Sometimes if you feel down, a little quote can go a long way. It can change a person’s mindset, or show a person there is help there if it’s needed,” Paddy said.

The idea for the benches came from walking his dog along the city’s riverfront every night, and seeing people sitting on the benches.

Through her motion, Cllr Gavan expanded the idea to provide support to people who may be feeling socially isolated.

She said: “It’s such a simple idea, it’s probably been overlooked. If you’re new to an area, if you are down or if you walk the bridges as we all do, sometimes you might see someone sitting by themselves and you’d wonder if they are ok. Sometimes people might not know who to reach out to if they are new to the city.”

The City East councillor wants the matter kept high on the agenda, especially with Christmas around the corner, a time when it’s acknowledged, many people can struggle with their mental health.

The initiative is also being supported by the Limerick Mental Health Association.

Both Cllr Gavan and Paddy will link in with the groups which patrol the riverside to assist anyone who may be feeling in distress.