‘Hope is Everything’ Bench Installed in Hemel after Filming of Hit Show After Life
After Life is renowned for its scenes showing Ricky Gervais’s leading character, Tony, on a bench at his local churchyard, as he continues to grieve for his wife Lisa, played by Kerry Godliman. The bench serves as a place for Tony to reflect, share, listen and, ultimately, to grow and find hope for the future.
Now, to mark the final series of the much-loved After Life, Netflix has donated a bench to Dacorum Borough Council for Hemel Hempstead and 25 other locations around the UK to create a space for communities to visit.
Hemel Hempstead was used for many locations in the village of Tambury and the Council have chosen to install the bench across the road from the location used as the newspaper office – used in real life by voluntary group Community Action Dacorum in the heart of Hemel’s Old Town High Street. Many local businesses in the High Street were used in the programme including the House of Elliott and The Artichoke.
The benches have been commissioned alongside suicide prevention charity Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) – who offer help, advice and information to anyone who is struggling or in crisis. Those who visit a bench will be able to access resources from CALM via a unique QR code with the wording ‘Life can be tough, but there’s always hope. Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is by your side’, and online by visiting www.thecalmzone.net/afterlife/.
Ricky Gervais 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.’
Simon Gunning, CEO, CALM 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.’
About CALM
Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is leading a Movement against Suicide through vital life-saving support and collective action. Every week 125 in the UK take their own lives. CALM exists to change this and bring people together to stand against suicide.
If you’re struggling, talk to CALM on 0800 58 58 58 (UK) or through webchat. Trained support workers are available from 5pm to midnight, 365 days a year to provide practical support and advice, whatever you’re going through.
To find out more visit www.thecalmzone.net.