A BENCH which is a replica of one featured in the popular ’After Life’ television series has been placed in Minehead’s Blenheim Gardens to raise awareness of mental health and encourage people to talk about their problems.

Netflix commissioned and donated two benches to Somerset West and Taunton Council - the other is in Taunton’s Vivary Park - in conjunction with the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), which offers help and information to anyone struggling or in crisis.

The benches mark the launch of the third and final series of the hit show After Life starring Ricky Gervais and Kerry Godliman. A bench in a graveyard plays a pivotal part in After Life as the place where the central character, Tony, and his confidante Anne, talk about their experience of grief and find hope for the future.

Each donated bench is the same design as that featured in the programme and is engraved with a crucial line from the show - ’Hope is everything’ - to help people share their problems and realise it’s normal to feel sadness and loneliness in these situations.

Cllr Derek Perry, SWT’s executive member for sports, parks and leisure, said: "The council appreciates how much these tranquil spaces are valued by our residents and visitors, particularly during the last two years when they have played a vital role as a place to relax, exercise and meet friends and family safely.

"We are committed to supporting people to live healthy lives and encouraging good mental health, so are delighted to receive these benches which we hope will act as conversation starting points for those suffering with grief, helping them to get the support they need.

"We’re encouraging our communities to reflect and start that conversation in the beautiful surroundings of our award-winning Vivary Park and Blenheim Gardens."

CALM chief executive Simon Gunning added: "Park benches provide opportunities to reflect, talk to someone, sit shoulder to shoulder with someone and get things off your chest. That is why we are delighted to team up with Netflix to put these benches in parks."