Ayrshire College has partnered with Fit Ayrshire Dads and ANDYSMANCLUB to introduce “Talking Benches” across its Ayr, Kilmarnock and Kilwinning campuses, encouraging open conversations around mental health and helping ensure that no one suffers in silence.
The initiative has been created to raise awareness of mental health challenges and remind students, staff and visitors that support is always available. The benches provide a visible and welcoming space for anyone who may be struggling with their mental or physical wellbeing, offering an opportunity to pause, reflect and connect with others.
Each Talking Bench features a QR code which links 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 — that a conversation can change, and even save, a life. Anyone who notices someone sitting alone on a Talking Bench is encouraged to sit beside them, start a conversation and check in on how they are feeling.
Ayrshire College Principal and Chief Executive Angela Cox said:
Mental health affects every one of us, and it is vital that people know they are not alone. The Talking Benches are about creating safe spaces where conversations can happen naturally, without judgement or stigma.
Sometimes simply asking someone if they are okay can make an enormous difference. Through this initiative, we want to encourage our college community to look out for one another, speak openly about mental health and help connect people to support that could ultimately save lives.
Robert Telford from Fit Ayrshire Dads said:
Too many people struggle in silence because they feel they have nowhere to turn. These benches are a reminder that support, friendship and conversation are always close by. We are proud to work with Ayrshire College to help create a more open and supportive community.
A spokesperson from ANDYSMANCLUB added:
At ANDYSMANCLUB, we believe that talking is one of the most important steps someone can take. Initiatives like this help break down barriers around mental health and encourage people to reach out before they reach crisis point.
The Talking Benches initiative forms part of Ayrshire College’s wider commitment to supporting mental health, wellbeing and inclusion, while helping create a compassionate college community where everyone feels seen, heard and supported.