First 'suicide prevention bench' in Leeds unveiled in Morley on Mental Health Awareness Week

Morley has become home to the first “suicide prevention bench” in West Yorkshire from a mental health charity.

Unveiled yesterday (Saturday) to coincide with Mental Health Awareness Week in a powerful show of community support, compassion and awareness, the new illuminated support bench, located in the centre of Morley, was officially opened by Claire Beam (Morley Knights) & Jason Moore (MINT).

The bench at the junction of Corporation Street and Bruntcliffe Road in Morley forms part of the growing national “Legend on the Bench” initiative — a charity founded by former professional footballer Micky Hazard and his sister Michelle following the tragic loss of Michelle’s son, Jay Lee Mead, who took his own life aged just 23.

Each bench acts as a visible point of hope and support for anyone struggling with mental health challenges, loneliness, anxiety, depression or suicidal thoughts. Featuring built-in lighting, emergency contact numbers and QR codes linking directly to professional support services, the benches are designed to provide immediate access to help 24 hours a day.

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, Councillor Ryan Taylor said: “Today, during Mental Health Awareness Week, we come together not only to raise awareness, but to remind one another of something deeply important — that nobody should ever feel they have to struggle alone.

“Mental health affects every single one of us. It does not care about age, background, job title, or whether you wear a suit on Monday morning or a football shirt on Saturday afternoon.

“That is why organisations like Legends on the Bench matter so much. They are creating places where people feel heard, supported and valued.

“Sometimes changing a life begins with something as simple as saying: ‘I’m here for you.’”

The charity was created after the devastating loss of Jay Lee Mead in 2019, with Micky Hazard and his family determined to turn tragedy into hope by ensuring people in crisis can easily access support when they need it most.

The organisation now aims to install suicide prevention benches in parks and public spaces across the UK.

Coun Taylor said: “I not only championed the project politically, but also helped personally prepare the site ahead of installation, digging out and preparing the area to ensure the bench could be installed in time for Mental Health Awareness Week.

“My commitment to the project and to raising awareness around mental health in the local community has been a year long journey.”

Coun Taylor also paid tribute to the wider sporting and community organisations across Morley and Leeds who continue to support mental health conversations and encourage people to speak openly about their struggles.

“Sport and community groups are often where people feel safest opening up”, he said. “Whether it’s a football club, rugby team, running group or simply friends talking on a park bench — those conversations matter.

“Real courage is asking for help. Real strength is being there for someone else.”

The unveiling was attended by local residents, community leaders and supporters of mental health awareness initiatives across Leeds.