“Sponsors aren’t just funding a bench,” said Bailey. “They’re planting a seed of change in a community.”
The Kind Heart Bench Project plans to add five more benches before the end of the year. New locations include Philippi Village, Christel House School, and Goal 50 Early Childhood Development Centre in Heideveld. Two more placements are pending confirmation.
Bailey says the project’s impact has grown through strong partnerships. One key supporter is Uthando SA, a fair-trade-in-tourism NGO led by James Fernie. “Its support has been instrumental in helping us enlarge our footprint,” he said.
At the heart of the roll-out is an after-care model. The project works with mental-health organisations like SADAG and Hope House. They offer peer-to-peer training sessions for teachers, students, and community members.
These sessions equip people to become “first responders.” They can give emotional support and refer others to professional help.
“It’s not just about sitting down,” says Bailey. “It’s about rising up, together.”
Groups like the Alcardo Andrews Foundation have praised the benches. Many say they’ve become safe spaces for youth and community members.
Photos from recent installations show brightly coloured benches surrounded by young people. Some are embracing. Others are deep in conversation. Each moment is a quiet sign of healing and connection.
“When you tell someone ‘you matter,’ you start reshaping lives,” Bailey added.
The project recently teamed up with the Hasso Plattner d-school Afrika at UCT. During Design Thinking Week, they explored how to blend technology with empathy. Ideas included Wi-Fi enabled benches and keeping people at the centre of every design.
Next steps include digital storytelling, QR codes for mental-health resources, and placing more benches in high-risk areas. Contact the Kind Heart Bench Project to get involved.
