After Life creator Ricky Gervais has teamed up with a campaign group to donate benches where people can go to talk, listen and reflect.
The comedian and suicide prevention charity CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) have placed 25 places at different locations around the UK. The benches feature QR codes leading to online resources and a message of support.
Two benches have been given to Cardiff council which will be placed at Cefn Onn Park, in Llanishen, and Victoria Park, in Canton.
Since the first series launched on Netflix the show has held a special place in many people's hearts - covering issues such as grief, loss, depression and recovery while managing to somehow offer moments of great humour at the same time.
Series 3 aired on Friday (January 14) and the bench in the graveyard remains a pivotal part in the show., as it is where Tony (Ricky Gervais) talks to Anne (Penelope Wilton), his graveside confidante. They’ve both experienced the grief of losing their partners and they meet up regularly.
Anne is the one person Tony can let his guard down with, can open up to and be himself.
Where the benches will be:
A spokesman for CALM explains what the 'Hope is Everything' benches that will be dotted around the UK will mean.
They say: "We know talking to someone you trust really can help. Opening up about to your mates or family is not an easy thing to do. But starting that conversation can be the start of getting the support you need. By helping them better understand and support you, you’re giving you – and them – the best chance of doing that.
"We know benches are a place where you can reflect, talk to someone, sit shoulder to shoulder with someone and get things off your chest. So we’ve worked with Netflix to put benches in parks across the country – inscribed with that crucial line from the show, “Hope is everything” – to help people have those conversations and to show it’s normal to have those feelings."
Ricky Gervais shared a picture of the map of where the benches are, and urged people to "visit and take a selfie".
He said: "We hope the benches will create a lasting legacy for After Life, as well as become a place for people to visit, and we are thrilled to be associated with Calm and the great work they do."
Calm chief executive Simon Gunning said: "Park benches provide opportunities to reflect, talk to someone, sit shoulder to shoulder with someone and get things off your chest.
"That is why we're delighted to team up with Netflix to put benches in parks across the country - inscribed with that crucial line from the show, 'Hope is everything' - to help people have those conversations and to show it's normal to have those feelings."
After Life was Netflix's second most popular series of 2019, behind fantasy drama The Witcher.
Gervais writes, directs and executive produces the show, which also stars Penelope Wilton, David Bradley, Ashley Jensen, Tom Basden, Tony Way, Kerry Godliman, Roisin Conaty and Diane Morgan.
More information can be found via the Calm website.
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