A new Hope Bench has been officially installed in Lancaster on, near Carlisle Bridge, on St. George’s Quay, as part of a local initiative to promote mental wellbeing and ensure people know that help is always close.
The bench is being installed by Lancaster City Council and is the first of a series planned across the district.
Hope Benches is a project created by the Lancaster District Adult Mental Health Forum and brings together local organisations united around mental health awareness and community care. Each bench has been expertly crafted by members of Lancaster Men’s Hub, a local group supporting men’s wellbeing through practical, creative activity
Lancaster District CVS and others were delighted to be joined by Cat Smith MP, who cut the ribbon to mark the installation of something truly meaningful.
“It was wonderful to see so many from the community come together to celebrate this special moment,” commented the Lancaster District CVS team, “including many of the organisations and individuals involved whose care, commitment and collaboration helped bring the idea to life.
The Hope Benches are designed to provide a quiet, welcoming place to pause, reflect and, if needed, find clear signposting to local and national mental health support services. Each bench carries simple, reassuring messages, and information to remind people that they are not alone and that support is available.
By placing benches in calm, accessible locations, the project aims to create everyday spaces where people can take a moment for themselves and be gently guided towards help and support.
The wider project has been supported through LifeFest 2025, with backing from the George and Dragon pub, alongside contributions from a range of local partners. These include Lancaster District Adult Mental Health Forum, Lancaster City Council, Positive Futures, Samaritans, The Bay: A Blueprint for Recovery, Adullam, Lancaster Mens Hub, Exergonic Coaching CIC, CancerCare North Lancashire and South Cumbria, Adults with Autism, and Wildlife Wellbeing Walks CIC.
The Hope Benches initiative is well timed, with A Million Acts of Hope, a completely separate national campaign, running until 20th May. This brand-new campaign will bring together hundreds of charities, community organisations, and faith groups across the UK to make hope more visible in everyday life.
Running throughout May, A Million Acts of Hope celebrates practical acts of kindness and community action that help build healthier, happier neighbourhoods. The installation of a Hope Bench in Lancaster represents a lasting local act of hope within this wider national movement, demonstrating how small, thoughtful interventions can have a meaningful impact on wellbeing at community level.
• For more information on the Hope Benches and inspiring stories go to the Hope Benches support page