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Friends and family of an “exuberant” school teacher who died after struggles with her mental health are hoping to create a ‘talking bench’ in her favourite spot to help others feel less alone.
Since Cassie Porter passed away in 2020, her mum, Carol, and close friend Tom Stead have organised ‘Run for Cass’ races in her memory – one of which is taking place this morning - to raise money for suicide prevention.
But they’re also hoping for a more permanent way to remember her – via a ‘talking bench’ in Gorey.
“Towards the end, Cassie felt very isolated from the world,” said Tom.
“She felt distant from the people she loved and the people who loved her, and that is something that no-one should have to feel.”
During the time that she was struggling the most, Cassie spent a lot of time at the end of Gorey Pier where she would sit by the stairs to the Castle and look out over the sea.
Video: Cassie's favourite spot at the back of Gorey Castle - where yellow flowers maintained by Cassie's mum can currently be found - is where Tom would like to see the talking bench installed.
A talking bench is a place where sharing company and conversation is encouraged, especially useful for people who are feeling alone and isolated.
“These benches can be found all across the UK,” Tom explained, “and they make a real difference to people who just need someone to talk to.”
The area where Cassie's friends and family would like to install the bench is owned by the Public but administered by Jersey Heritage. As a Grade 1 Listed site, planning permission would need to be sought.
Jersey Heritage has advised, however, of a potential hurdle - that the Planning, Environment and Infrastructure Departments have a policy of not allowing new memorial benches - and have offered to meet Cassie's mum to discuss a potential alternative way of remembering Cassie.
Cassie's family say that, if a bench is permitted, they are willing to pay for it and its lifetime maintenance.
The idea of making sure people feel involved in the local community is the driving force behind both the bench and the Run for Cass, Tom said.
Tom said he was keen to ensure that this year everyone and anyone is able to take part in the event.
Pictured: The first Run for Cass took place last year, raising over £20,000 for Thrive Jersey, and the second is taking place this morning.
When it comes to bringing people together and fighting loneliness, Tom has a clear message: “It is so important to make sure everyone feels included.
“Nobody is left out.”
Dressed in Cassie’s favourite colour yellow, racers, runners and walkers set off from La Fregate this morning at 08:45.
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