Introducing Dorset Mind’s First Chatty Bench
Introducing Dorset Mind’s First Chatty Bench
A Bright New Bench With a Big Purpose
Dorset Mind, together with Dorset Tea, is delighted to unveil Liam’s Bench at Furzy Cliff in Weymouth. This is the first of many Chatty Benches we hope to introduce across the county…
This project has grown from a shared belief that small moments of connection can have a big impact. Working alongside local councils, supportive businesses, generous sponsors and talented Dorset artist Helena Chessher, we’ve created a space that invites people to sit, breathe and talk.
But this isn’t just a bench.
It’s a vibrant piece of public art designed to spark conversation and encourage people to look after their mental wellbeing. Each Chatty Bench will include a QR code linking directly to mental health support, making help easy to find at the moment it’s needed.
Weymouth’s bench marks the beginning of a legacy we hope to build across Dorset — a trail of bright, uplifting places that act as gentle reminders that no one has to face life alone.
The launch has already created a real buzz in the town, with residents stopping to chat, take photos and learn more about why the bench is here. It’s been wonderful to see the community embrace it so quickly, and we’re already exploring ways to grow its impact even further.
At Dorset Mind, we know how powerful our services can be — but we also know that the need for support is growing. To reach more people, in more places, we need Dorset’s business community to walk alongside us.
We’re currently seeking sponsors to help us bring additional benches to life:
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£5,000 for a one-year sponsorship package
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£10,000 for a two-year package
Each new bench helps us expand mental health awareness, early support and community connection right across the county.
If your organisation would like to help us create the next Chatty Bench, we’d love to hear from you.
Want to Sponsor our next bench?
Now we need Dorset businesses to support this campaign, so we can install more benches and raise critical funds to support our life-changing services. Please contact us to hear more.
This project will have a lasting legacy. We want these locations to provide comfort and sanctuary for people for many years to come.
Keep up to date
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Liam’s Bench has officially arrived at Furzy Cliff in Weymouth, bringing colour, comfort and a gentle encouragement to talk about mental health. Created in partnership with Dorset Tea and beautifully designed by local artist Helena Chessher, the bench is part of our growing Chatty Bench project.
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Love Your Local Mind! August 4th – 10th 2025 is Local Minds’ Week! Here at Dorset Mind, we are an independent charity run by local people. Every penny raised locally, is spent locally. This means when you support us, you’re helping your friends, family, and neighbours right here.
