Three new benches have been installed around London, inspired by hit Ricky Gervais TV show After Life, and encouraging people to seek help if they're struggling.
Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood and Queen's Park* each have one of the new benches, donated by Netflix and installed in association with suicide prevention charity Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM).
Each of the pews has a unique QR code offering access to resources from CALM, with the wording “Life can be tough, but there’s always hope. Campaign Against Living Miserably is by your side” etched onto it. They also feature a poignant quote from season three: "Hope is everything".
In the show, Gervais' character Tony is often shown sitting on a bench in a churchyard, grieving for his wife Lisa and talking to Anne, who is also grieving.
Gervais, who wrote and produced After Life as well as starring in it, 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.
In total, Netflix donated 25 of the benches to local authorities across the UK.
Oh, and you've if you're watching series three of After Life and don't like where it's heading, Netflix has a message for you (though be warned, following the instruction does contain a spoiler)
If you haven’t watched After Life S3 because you’re worried about a certain character, please look at our bio.
— Netflix UK & Ireland (@NetflixUK) January 19, 2022
*We've enquired where exactly the benches are in each park and will let you know when we do
