Ribbon-cutting ceremony marks arrival of new bench at Dumfries play park

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on Thursday afternoon at the Catherine Street Inclusive Park in Dumfries to mark the receipt of new equipment.

The Dumfries and Galloway Mental Health Association (DGMHA) has gifted a covered “memory” bench and two planters to Include Us which runs the popular park.

The bench is intended “to provide a place to talk, listen or just be” and is for “anyone needing time to reflect or connect with others”.

Include Us organised the renovation of the former council-run park into a fully accessible and inclusive area for all and its chairman, Andy Zieleniec, thanked the DGMHA for the gifts.

He said: “We are very aware in the park of the importance of being able to access and use outdoor space for physical and mental health and wellbeing.

“The park welcomes everyone and is a small green space for everyone in the community to use regardless of age, ability or need.

“We hope that this covered bench will give people the opportunity to meet, reflect or enjoy the sights and sounds of the park and will be of benefit to many.”

Phyllis Wright, who heads the DGMHA board, said: “In listening to our frontline staff, we recognised how important it is to support our services staff and the people who are supported by us – particularly when faced with loss and grief.

“We wanted to remember those who are no longer with us, whether someone supported by us or a member of staff and support those who are still with us.

“The proposal of a memory bench in a local, safe and relaxing space accessible to staff and people who use our services was well received and we had a positive previous experience of working in partnership with Include Us who donated plants to fill our planters and hanging baskets. The plants brightened our properties and lifted spirits. They were well received by everyone; either by admiring or helping plant and care for the flowers.”

She added: “We collaborated with Andy and Lisa from Include Us who were delighted to house the bench while our staff and those who use our services chose the style of bench, the planters and sensory plants.

“We are delighted that our memory bench is so accessible, not only for us, but all who use the park and look forward to future partnership opportunities between our organisations.”