I started the Red Bench Project, now I'm the subject of new short film
A South Tyneside mental health campaigner is the subject of a new film.
The South Shields man who started a national mental health project is now the subject of a film surrounding his journey to support others.
Set up in 2023 by Wayne Groves, the Red Bench Project has already swept the nation - and may soon be an international campaign.
The new film, named ‘Suicide Prevention - The Red Bench Guy,’ shows Wayne talking about his path to the project and was developed by North East based Seaspray Films.
“I’m part of South Tyneside Pledge” explains Wayne.
“Another pledge member, David, the filmmaker heard an interview I did and thought he wanted to do a video on that.
“At first I didn’t want to do it. I don’t want to just talk about myself.”
Wayne was won over when David explained his hopes for the project to encourage open mental health discussions.
“What started off as a short documentary taking a couple of weeks ended up taking several months!” he adds.
The film was launched at an event at Cineworld Boldon, which saw other charities showcase films they had been working on. It is now available to watch on YouTube.
“The reception to the film has been absolutely unbelieveable” says the 46 year old.
“I’ve had people come up to be afterwards and people have opened up about their issues which is exactly what it was about.
“It’s done to try and change people’s attitudes.”
The Red Bench project was inspired by Wayne’s mental health journey. Two decades ago he tried to take his own life and had a “breakdown” around eight years ago.
He adds: “Three years ago a friend of mine passed away and I went to the bench I normally sit at near the beach. That was the place I went to sort my head out.”
A total of five benches now sit across South Tyneside, adorned with contact information for emotional support charity Samaritans. Others sit as far afield as Kent and the Lake District, while Wayne adds interest has been made from abroad.
“There is plenty of support out there. As long as people open up and try, that’s all that really matters” concludes Wayne.
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