Speed memorial to help others

EVERTON will unveil a Gary Speed Memorial Bench at Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday, a lasting tribute to one of the Blues' most admired former players, and significantly, the club's first-ever talking bench.

- By CHRIS BEESLEY

Talking benches have been introduced across the UK as a simple but powerful way to encourage conversation, tackle loneliness and isolation, and signpost people to mental health support.

They offer a space where individuals can pause, speak openly, or simply sit alongside others without judgment.

The announcement comes on an especially poignant day for the Everton Family on the 14th anniversary of Gary's passing, aged 42.

Everton's bench, dedicated in honour of Gary Speed and with the full blessing of his family, bears the message: "IN MEMORY OF GARY SPEED, EVERTONIAN, CAPTAIN, LEADER 1969-2011. A place for what is often unspoken. A place to sit, share and listen."

Located centrally on the Budweiser Fan Plaza, the bench includes discreet signposting to professional mental health support services and crisis resources.