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| Photo from Netflix |
Article by Joe Millington
The third season of the show was released to critical
acclaim last week, and writer, director and leading actor Ricky Gervais has
teamed up with CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) and Netflix to unveil
25 new benches in parks around the country.
In Birmingham, Cofton Park in Northfield was selected.
Gervais’ character Tony finds himself navigating grief and depression throughout
the series, and park benches were a focal point for the fictional writer’s
story.
In walking his trusty dog Brandy and conversing with other
characters who have experienced loss, Tony is able to reflect and learn to live
without his beloved wife.
Netflix announced on Wednesday that, in a campaign with the
charity CALM, they would be donating 25 benches to local Councils around the
UK, in order to raise awareness of suicide prevention.
Many well-known locations including Parliament Hill in
Hampstead Heath, London and Stanley Park, Liverpool, were picked out, and in
the Second City, it was Cofton Park that was selected.
Each bench has a QR code linking information and services
from CALM and are inscribed with the iconic quote “Hope is Everything”, from
the show.
On the project Gervais said: “We hope the benches will
create a lasting legacy for After Life, as well as become a place for people to
visit, and we are thrilled to be associated with Calm and the great work they
do.”
This is a poignant reminder of the importance of talking to
others, reaching out to your friends and family, and also the therapeutic role
of fresh air and natural beauty.
Whilst Cofton Park is the recipient of this scheme, this constituency
is also blessed with scenic green spaces, such as Sutton Park, with many areas
for people to explore and help clear their minds.
If you or someone you know needs help or someone to talk to:
Call Samaritans 24-hour hotline at 116 123
Call National Suicide Prevention hotline UK 24-hour hotline
at 0800 689 5652
Call Birmingham Mind 24-hour hotline at 0121 262 3555