Ayrshire College has partnered with "The Talking Bench" initiative to introduce Talking Benches across its Ayr, Kilmarnock and Kilwinning campuses, encouraging open conversations around mental health and reminding everyone that no one should ever struggle alone.
The Talking Bench initiative was founded by Robert Telford involving David Niven and Joseph Smith, who met through the community group Ayrshire Fit Dads. While the initiative grew from friendships formed within the group, the Talking Benches are for everyone, regardless of age, gender or background.
Created to raise awareness of mental health and wellbeing, the benches provide a welcoming space where students, staff and visitors can pause, reflect or simply have a conversation. They serve as a visible reminder that support is always available and that reaching out, or checking in on someone else, can make a real difference.
Each Talking Bench features a QR code linking directly to a range of mental health services, support organisations and crisis helplines, giving people quick and easy access to help when they need it most.
The benches also promote a simple but powerful message: a conversation can change, and even save, a life. Anyone who notices someone sitting alone on a Talking Bench is encouraged to take a moment, sit beside them if appropriate and simply ask how they're doing. Sometimes the smallest conversation can make the biggest difference.
Ayrshire College Principal and Chief Executive Angela Cox said:
This initiative is designed to encourage our College community to look out for one another and speak openly about their mental health. It is vital that people know they are not alone and Talking Benches are about creating safe spaces where people can have conversations with judgement or stigma.
Founder of "The Talking Bench" Robert Telford said:
The Talking Bench is built on a simple idea: no one should ever feel they have to face life's challenges alone. We hope these benches encourage people to pause, start a conversation and remind one another that help is always within reach.
Although the three of us in the team met through Fit Ayrshire Dads, the Talking Bench has always been about supporting everyone. Mental health doesn't discriminate, and neither do these benches. Whether you're looking for a conversation, a listening ear or simply a moment to gather your thoughts, these benches are here for every member of the community.
The Talking Benches form part of Ayrshire College’s ongoing commitment to promoting mental health, wellbeing and inclusion, helping to create a compassionate college community where everyone feels seen, heard and supported.