‘Buddy benches’ aim to support mental health

Bright blue and yellow benches popping up around Camas and Washougal are catching eyes — and opening conversations.

The Rotary Club of Camas-Washougal is partnering with 988 Lifeline to install eight public “buddy benches” aimed at encouraging discussions about mental health and reducing stigma.

“We should all be able to have a conversation about mental health and why it’s important,” Rotarian and project coordinator Kathy Bussman said. “It shouldn’t be something we’re ashamed of or keep secret. It should be part of everyday life.”

The project gained inspiration from Rotary International President Gordon McInally, who made mental health a focus of his 2023-24 tenure, urging clubs to raise awareness and expand access to care.

“That kind of kicked things off,” Bussman said. “I thought, ‘We have young people who don’t know who to call or where to go. What can we do?’ ”

The club purchased eight custom benches for about $8,000 from a small family business in Indiana. Since September, Rotary volunteers have installed benches at Discovery High School and Skyridge and Liberty middle schools in Camas, as well as at Washougal High School and Canyon Creek and Jemtegaard middle schools in Washougal.

“The goal is to reach more young people,” Bussman said. “There aren’t enough school counselors because of budget challenges. How can we get kids more help? This is one way.”

The benches are open to people of all ages, however. The club is planning to install benches in downtown Camas and downtown Washougal by the end of June.

“You might not need a counselor. You might just be lonely,” Bussman said. “COVID forced isolation, and technology has made it easier to stay that way. We’ve forgotten how much we need connection.”

Painted in Rotary’s colors, the benches include the 988 Lifeline number and a QR code linking to local mental health resources.

“I think the benches will increase dialogue and awareness,” Rotarian George Capacci said. “They could help reduce resistance to talking about mental health. If we can affect just one or two people and make their life a little bit better, that’s a good thing.”

Available 24 hours per day, the 988 Lifeline connects people by phone, text, chat or videophone with trained counselors. Services are confidential and free.

“When you don’t have someone to turn to at home, school or work, 988 is the place,” Bussman said.

Club leaders view the benches as a legacy project that will benefit the community for years to come, with high-quality materials ensuring long-term durability, and hope to expand the project in the coming years.

“I think it will grow quickly, organically, and gain traction,” Bussman said.