06-02-2025
"We leave as friends, with all good intentions": school's buddy bench
A 'buddy bench' has been donated to a school in in Blackburn by a housebuilder.
Barratt Homes donated the bench for the pupils at Feniscowles Primary School as part of Time to Talk Day, which takes place today (February 6).
The school, located close to the housebuilder's Bernets Nook development, will encourage the use of the bench as a place for students to talk to one another and make new friends.
The bench includes the inscription: "We sit, we chat and ask each other questions, we leave as friends, with all good intentions."
Time to Talk Day, founded by Rethink Mental Illness, encourages people and communities to come together for a nationwide conversation about mental health.
Time to Talk Day, founded by Rethink Mental Illness, encourages people to have a conversation about mental health (Image: Mark Waugh)
Rob Andrew, headteacher at Feniscowles Primary School, said: "We are incredibly grateful to Barratt Homes for its generous donation of the buddy bench, which will serve as a wonderful addition to our school community.
"This thoughtful gesture aligns perfectly with the values we are fostering at Feniscowles Primary, particularly on Time to Talk Day.
"The bench will provide a welcoming space for our pupils to connect, build friendships, and feel supported in an environment where kindness and inclusivity are at the heart of everything we do.
"We hope that the bench will inspire conversations and encourage empathy, helping to create a safe and positive atmosphere for all of our students.
"Thank you again to Barratt Homes for its commitment to promoting friendship and wellbeing."
Alan Watt, sales director at Barratt Homes Manchester, said: "We hope that by donating a friendship bench, children at Feniscowles Primary School will have the chance to talk openly to each other and staff members about how they're feeling."
