This week at Park View School, our Word of the Week is SUPPORT

• Definition: To bear the weight of, give strength to, or offer encouragement and help to someone or something in need.

Image of the week:

The Red Bench scheme—officially known as The Red Bench Project—is a UK-based mental health and suicide prevention initiative that places bright red benches in public areas and near crisis hotspots

The scheme provides a safe space for people who are struggling, feeling low, or having dark thoughts to sit, calm down, and clear their head

This vibrant red bench overlooking South Shields beach and the River Tyne estuary offers a perfect place to rest, recharge, and watch the world go by.

How the Benches Work

• Visible Help: Each bench is painted a striking red so it stands out.
• Contact Information: The benches feature a plaque with the phone number for The Samaritans and a QR code.
• Online Resources: Scanning the QR code links people directly to a website with a list of mental health charities, support options, and crisis services.
• A Silent Cry for Help: Sitting on a red bench can act as a quiet signal to others that someone needs a moment of peace or support. 

Community Involvement

• Starting Conversations: The project encourages passers-by to keep an eye out for anyone sitting alone on a red bench.
• Checking In: People are urged to approach gently, say hello, and ask if the person is okay.
• Spreading Connection: Simple acts of kindness and conversation are core goals meant to help save lives

Sound of the Week:

The letter ‘x‘ makes a /ks/ sound at the end of words like box and fox

Action: Open your mouth slightly, push the back of your tongue against the roof of your mouth to make a sharp k sound, and immediately follow it with a hissing s sound: “ks-ks-ks”.