Newcastle United defender Dan Burn and the Newcastle United Foundation have unveiled a series of painted public benches in Leazes Park to highlight mental health issues.
The initiative seeks to destigmatize mental health struggles by encouraging football fans and the wider community to speak openly about their wellbeing. By placing these reminders in a public space, the club aims to prompt individuals to check in on one another and seek professional support.
The project was launched during Mental Health Awareness Week, which ran from May 11 to May 17, 2024 [1]. As part of the effort, the foundation commissioned 11 benches [1] in the Newcastle-upon-Tyne park to serve as visual prompts for conversation.
Burn shared his own experiences with mental health to emphasize the importance of the project. He said that therapy worked "quite well" for him.
"It's important to check in with each other and talk about how you're feeling," Burn said.
The collaboration between the club's foundation and the local government underscores a broader effort to integrate public health messaging into community landmarks. A City Council spokesperson said the benches are a reminder that everyone needs to look out for the mental wellbeing of others.
Burn's participation highlights the role of high-profile athletes in breaking the silence surrounding psychological struggles. By discussing his use of therapy and the necessity of seeking help, the defender provides a relatable example for fans who may be hesitant to access mental health services.
“"It's important to check in with each other and talk about how you're feeling."”
This initiative reflects a growing trend of professional sports organizations leveraging their cultural influence to address public health crises. By utilizing physical infrastructure in a public park, Newcastle United is moving mental health advocacy out of the clinical setting and into the daily lives of the community, potentially lowering the barrier for individuals to begin conversations about their mental state.
