Borders man launches ‘The Bench’ to tackle loneliness and support mental health

David McCrea became homeless around 18-months ago after splitting up with his wife and losing his family home in Berwick.

Unable to find nearby accommodation, he moved to Coldstream in the Scottish Borders where he experienced severe loneliness and isolation.

As he continued to battle with his mental health, David attended Andy’s Man Club in Berwick, but found that there wasn’t enough services for those struggling in his area.

"I had everything basically, a wife, two kids, a mortgage, cars, and then I had nothing,” David explained.

"The loneliness and isolation very much kicked in in a very big way. It was the absolute pits. It was horrific."

Following Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) which helped him turn his life round, David decided to set up The Bench – a community initiative which invites people to open up about their struggles with someone who understands.

Along with the help of volunteers, David now sits at a bench in Henderson Park every Wednesday from 7pm for anybody who would like a chat.

"I don't want anybody to feel how I felt,” David added. "I thought of a bench because, you can't really go wrong with a bench, can you? It's the most accessible thing you can go to.

"Psychologically, there's something about it being in an outdoor area that makes it feel a bit more accessible too.

"It is also non-exclusive. It's not for men and not for women - it's for anybody who's going through anything.”

David says that support from the local community has been incredible and he plans to continue to sit weekly at The Bench for those who need it.

He now also uses social media to share what he has been through in hopes it will inspire others to speak up and seek help.

"I try to post about what I'm going through and how I deal with it in the hope that it might encourage others to do the same,” he added.

"Three years ago I never thought I'd be doing anything like this, but life just turns you in directions sometimes."