A ‘CONVERSATION’ bench in Minehead Community Hospital has been refurbished thanks to Tony Berry, of AL Berry Builders Design and Steel Fabricators.

The bench is designed to help combat loneliness and encourage patients to talk about mental health issues and to seek support if they needed it.

Paint for the project was supplied by Jewsons building suppliers, of Mart Road Industrial Estate, Minehead.

Minehead Hospital spokesperson Jayne Cornish said: “The bench certainly looks wonderful.

“With its bright colours it can attract patients to sit, and hopefully while sitting they can engage in conversation with other people who are visiting the hospital.”

The bench also has details of helpline numbers for visitors and patients who feel they may need to speak to somebody in a professionally capacity.

They include the Samaritans on 116123, Calm on 0800 585858, Childline on 0800 1111, and Mind on 03001233383, which all support the hospital’s bench.