The After Life bench destroyed earlier this year by vandals has returned to the Arboretum. The bench in the Arboretum was one of 25 benches donated by Netflix as part of a campaign to promote the Ricky Gervais comedy After Life.
The bench, which was installed in the park back in January this year, was meant for anyone who has recently lost someone or who may be struggling with their mental health. But it was soon left in pieces after being smashed up.
The bench gave locals a place to sit and reflect if they are struggling with their mental health. East Midland's based charity, Blokes launched a Just Giving campaign to replace the bench and provide additional funding for Nottinghamshire-wide mental health schemes and initiatives. The money was to be equally split and donated to Nottingham City Council and Nottinghamshire County Council.
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Tom Home, founder of Blokes was upset to see the destruction of the bench which he said had become a positive landmark for the city. The chairs were donated by Netflix and the Campaign Against Living Miserably charity (CALM).
"As soon as I found out that Netflix had stepped in to replace the bench, I was absolutely delighted. I think it's brilliant that was an initially disappointing situation has resulted in a positive outcome for all parties," he said.
"Netflix initially donated benches to local authorities across the country, two of which found their way to Nottingham in the Arboretum and Highfields Park. Upon learning the one in the Arboretum had been destroyed, they provided a replacement to be installed."
The Just Giving page reached its initial goal of £500 very quickly so the team at Blokes changed the total to £2000 in a hope of generating more funding for mental health initiatives. Mr Home described where that money will go now.
"We currently have over £900 on the Just Giving page and have increased the total to £2,000," he said. "The total will be put towards the new project we are working on with Nottingham City Council so we will be communicating with people who donated over the next few days. The money will go to something close to what they donated for."
Residents were delighted to see the return of the bench but were also saddened that it had been vandalised in the first place.
Zara Iqbal grew up near the park and still lives locally to the Arboretum. She brought her son with her to the park to enjoy the scenery.
"I think it's really kind of Netflix and a lovely feature. It's really appreciated by a lot of people. I used the park a lot as I grew up here so I've been coming here since I was about three years old and now I bring my children here," said Zara.
"We are really local so this is like our garden as we come here so often so It's a great thing to have."
Vicki Brabben has visited the Arboretum in the past but this is her first visit in three years. She stopped by the benches to have her lunch.
"I think the benches here are a really great idea as we all need to sit down and have a rest occasionally. It's good to have the bench back and hopefully, it won't get destroyed again," she said.
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