Fifteen benches in the municipality of Hoogeveen are equipped with a 1K Z1E J3 plaque. Ten more benches to be designated will also have the sign screwed on. The idea behind the 1K Z1E J3 benches is to spark conversations about difficult thoughts such as suicide.
“Talking about difficult topics, such as suicide, can be extremely difficult and exciting. But it can also provide relief and be the start of a solution,” says councilor Mark Tuit (PvdA).
The benches were initiated by spiritual counselor Charissa Moorrees-Eichert. Her goal is to draw attention to the theme of suicide prevention throughout the Netherlands. The benches are also located in Emmen, among other places.
Moorrees-Eichtert is satisfied that Hoogeveen places a total of 25. “They have handled it very nicely in Hoogeveen. They have looked at good places to put benches, but it is also a nice idea to involve residents.”
Residents of the municipality can indicate which benches they think should be provided with a plaque. “There are benches of which I would say: ‘That is a nice bench. On the dike or a quiet place near the water’. Others say that it should be in busy places such as in the center, precisely to engage in conversation. Residents themselves see best where people regularly sit alone on a bench.”
The plaque on the benches contains the text ‘A good conversation starts with really seeing someone’ and a QR code that links to the 113 Suicide Prevention website.
In the municipality of Hoogeveen, benches in Hoogeveen as well as in the villages are provided with the plaque, says Moorrees-Eichert: “I think that talking about difficult thoughts and feelings is quite difficult. Especially in a village, you know each other well, you think, but sometimes there is so much more behind someone. How nice it is that you can share that with someone.”