A UK charity dedicated to reducing suicide rates is poised to reach a significant milestone, with the installation of its 100th specially designed park bench featuring vital support information.
From Personal Tragedy to National Mission
Legend on the Bench was established by former professional footballer Micky Hazard and his sister, Michelle, following the death of her son, Jason Lee Mead, in 2019. The 23-year-old, known as Jay, showed no outward signs of struggling with his mental health, making his loss even more devastating for the family.
Michelle conceived the idea while seeking solitude to grieve in a local Hertfordshire park at night. Frightened by the darkness, she wished for light, sparking the vision for a charity that would place illuminated benches offering help to others in crisis.
Benches as Beacons of Hope
The charity's core mission is ambitious: to have one of its distinctive benches in every local park across the United Kingdom. Each bench serves as a quiet, accessible point of contact for anyone in distress.
They are equipped with contact telephone numbers and QR codes linking to support resources, along with built-in lighting to aid those seeking help during the night. Since its launch two years ago, dozens of benches have been installed nationwide, often funded through local community fundraising efforts.
Reaching the 100-Bench Landmark
The charity's rapid growth will see new benches unveiled in Dublin and Northampton in the coming weeks. The landmark 100th bench is scheduled to be placed at the end of February 2026.
Micky Hazard, who won the FA Cup and UEFA Cup during his time with Tottenham Hotspur, emphasised the complexity of suicide causes. He stated a primary aim is to bridge the gap between suffering and available help.
"It's unbelievable how many people are unaware that there is help out there to support them in times of crisis," Hazard said. "Someone is ready to listen, maybe even just offer a shoulder to cry on without judgment. Our aim is to support people suffering from mental health issues and thus prevent loss of a life due to suicide."
A Legacy of Support in Public Spaces
By transforming ordinary park furniture into lifelines, Legend on the Bench creates permanent, non-stigmatising reminders that support is available. The initiative turns community spaces into zones of compassion, ensuring that anyone feeling isolated or in despair has immediate access to information that could save a life.
The charity's work underscores a critical message: that conversation and connection are powerful tools in suicide prevention, and sometimes, help can be found just by taking a seat.
