About us

Mental health touches almost every family, workplace and community in Western Australia. Nearly 1 in 2 Western Australians will experience a mental health challenge in their lifetime. At the same time, demand for mental health services continues to grow. More services are needed, but community matters too. 
 
Knowing how many people are affected, and understanding the growing pressures on our health system, we asked a simple question: what role can the community play in supporting mental wellbeing? 
 
We believe one of the most powerful answers is connection. By building stronger relationships and checking in earlier, we can help people feel seen, heard and supported before they reach crisis point. 

At Richmind WA, we believe it takes courage to support mental wellbeing: the courage to reach out, to listen and to be there for others, as well as the courage to ask for support when you need it. 
 
The Yellow Bench Project is a Western Australian movement that makes conversations about mental health more visible, normal and easier to have across our communities. It helps make mental health support part of everyday life by encouraging people to pause, connect and check in with the people around them. 
 
It is built on a simple idea: connection matters. 

The yellow bench is a symbol of courage, connection and care.

It is also a pathway to practical support.

Placed in public spaces, schools, workplaces and community hubs, each bench acts as a visible invitation to slow down, connect and check in.

A QR code links directly to practical resources designed to help people:

• recognise signs someone may need support
• start conversations
• respond with care
• find additional support when needed

Together, the benches and Resource Hub help make mental wellbeing support part of everyday life.

What if connection did not feel like a difficult moment?

What if connection felt natural, visible and part of everyday life? Not a formal intervention. Not a big conversation. Just small, human moments that help build a stronger community.

The Yellow Bench creates a quiet, visible invitation to pause, connect and check in. It helps make everyday acts of courage feel possible.