Listening Benches unveiled at university to support community wellbeing
"One of the things that really stayed with me when I first became involved in this project was the idea that we may never truly know the impact of a Listening Bench”
Two Listening Benches have been unveiled in partnership with Buckinghamshire New University (Bucks) in High Wycombe, offering students, staff and the wider community a welcoming space to pause and connect.
The initiative encourages people to look out for one another and recognise that small acts of kindness and connection can make a big difference.
The first bench was unveiled at Brunel Engine Shed (the University's business and community hub) on Tuesday 27 October.
Local dignitaries, including the Mayor of High Wycombe, Cllr Imran Hussain, Cllr Isobel Darby, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing at Buckinghamshire Council, Micky Hazard from Legend on the Bench charity and representatives from Chiltern Samaritans, gathered for the unveiling, before walking to the University's main High Wycombe campus for the second bench unveiling.
The two new installations are benches 172 and 173 for Legend on the Bench, an initiative founded by Michelle Hazard more than five years ago to encourage connection, conversation and support within communities.
Engraved with the words Someone is always listening, the benches offer a simple reminder that nobody has to face difficult times alone. Having a space to talk can help people feel more connected.
The two locations were chosen to ensure the initiative reaches both the University community and the wider public. The Brunel Engine Shed, situated opposite the railway station, provides an accessible community setting close to High Wycombe town centre, while the campus bench, stiutated outside the main entrance, offers students, staff and visitors a dedicated space to pause, connect and support one another.
Sana Wasiq, Counselling and Mental Health Manager at Bucks said: "One of the things that really stayed with me when I first became involved in this project was the idea that we may never truly know the impact of a Listening Bench. We might never know how many conversations take place, or what those moments of connection mean to the people involved. But sometimes, the greatest impact might be a conversation we never hear about, or a moment when someone feels a little less alone.
"Having two benches in High Wycombe is particularly meaningful because it allows us to extend that message of connection and support beyond the University and into our wider community. It's been a real collective effort, and I'm incredibly grateful to everyone who has helped bring this initiative to life."
Each bench features five tips for supporting others: show you care, be present, just listen, try not to judge and remember that no advice is needed. Contact details for support organisations including Samaritans, Mind, Shout and Childline are also displayed, helping people find further support when needed.
The benches illuminate at night, keeping their message visible and symbolising hope during difficult moments.
The Listening Benches initiative is led locally by Chiltern Samaritans, in partnership with the charity Legend on the Bench, and is supported by the High Wycombe Community Board and Public Health at Buckinghamshire Council.
The new installations follow the opening of the first local Listening Bench in Lowndes Park, Chesham, earlier this year, with further benches located near the Amersham and Aylesbury crematoria in collaboration with Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS).