Exeter City Football Club has launched a new mental health support initiative with the installation of a 'Talking Bench' at The Park building. The bench, located near the St James Road entrance, is available to the entire community every day of the week, not only on match days.
It features QR codes that link directly to mental health support organisations, designed to help people take the first step in seeking help. The club, currently 20th in the standings with nine points from nine games, sees the project as a core part of its community identity beyond results on the pitch. The team's recent form has been challenging, with just one win in their last five matches, a 1-0 victory over Rotherham United. Their overall goal difference stands at minus seven, a statistic the squad will be looking to improve as they prepare for their upcoming fixtures.
Community-Driven Initiative
The bench was created through a partnership between the club and Exeter City Council, which donated the bench. In return, the club made a donation to the Samaritans, the charity chosen by the volunteer who initiated the project. Supporter Sharon Dumbleton, who has personal experience with mental health struggles, brought the idea to the club. "Sometimes people who are struggling find it difficult to make that first step, so this is designed to help them," Dumbleton said.
John Street, the club's Interim General Manager, emphasised the wider mission. "As a community club it's so important that we are there not just for our supporters, but the wider population," he stated. Matt Hulland, a representative from Exeter City Council, praised the initiative for supporting vital conversations around mental wellbeing. He noted that the bench provides a quiet, accessible point for reflection and connection, separate from the bustle of match days.
Context and Next Steps
The initiative arrives as the first team prepares for its next League Two fixture, an away match against 14th-placed Shrewsbury on October 10th. The team will be looking to their key players, whose individual contributions can be tracked in the club's detailed stats section, to turn their season around. The bench is accessible daily as Exeter City looks to build on its recent 1-0 victory over Rotherham United and climb the league table. The club hopes this community-focused project will provide lasting support, reinforcing that its role extends far beyond the ninety minutes of a football match.
Background and full detail: Exeter City Football
