Background – The Yellow Benches
The history of the benches began in Zimbabwe in 2006, where the initiative aimed to encourage conversations and meetings between people, particularly to break the silence surrounding mental health.
In Canada, the benches are called “The Friendship Bench”, and the purpose is to reduce suicides and suicide attempts, especially among students, by encouraging conversations about mental health. It was also in Canada that the benches were given their yellow color.
The benches were created to honor the memory of Lucas, a student who had long suffered from depression in silence. In 2014, Lucas chose to end his life.
Saying a simple hello to another person and starting a small conversation can mean the difference between life and death. We must #daretotalk!
The yellow bench is not only a place to meet others, but also a symbol reminding us that together we must dare to talk and break the taboo and stigma that still exist around mental health. By having your own bench at your location, you show that you are open to conversations and that you want to take part in breaking the stigma.
