Frequently asked questions

The Yellow Bench Project is a Western Australian initiative that makes conversations about mental health more visible, normal and easier to have in everyday places across our communities.

It is built on a simple idea: connection matters. The project encourages people to pause, connect and check in with the people around them.

Bright yellow benches are placed in public spaces, schools, workplaces and community hubs as a visible reminder to look out for one another. Each bench includes a QR code linking to practical resources, conversation tools, stories and support pathways.

Mental health touches almost every family, workplace and community in Western Australia.

While professional services are essential, community also has an important role to play.

Strong relationships and social connection can help people feel seen, heard and supported. Yet many people tell us they do not know what to say, worry about getting it wrong, or assume someone else will step in.

The Yellow Bench Project was created to make those moments of connection easier. By encouraging people to pause, check in and show up for one another, the project helps strengthen the everyday relationships that support wellbeing and help people access support earlier.

The Yellow Bench is a reminder that you do not need to have all the answers. Sometimes the most important thing you can do is notice, ask and listen.

The Yellow Bench Project is for everyone, with a particular focus on everyday supporters: the parent, coach, workmate, friend, teammate or neighbour who notices a change in someone they care about.

Supporters do not need to be experts. The project helps build confidence to notice, check in and connect someone with further support when needed.

The Resource Hub is also useful for people who may be experiencing distress themselves and looking for simple, practical information.

The project also speaks to people who may look fine on the outside but are carrying more than they let on.

The benches, stories and resources can help remind people that their feelings matter, that support can start with a simple conversation, and that they are not alone.

The Resource Hub also includes information, support pathways and practical tools that may help people take the next step when they are ready.

The Yellow Bench Project is an initiative of Richmind WA. Richmind WA delivers mental health and wellbeing services and programs across Western Australia, working alongside individuals, families and communities to support recovery, wellbeing and connection. Visit the Richmind WA website to find out more.

The Yellow Bench Resource Hub is a collection of practical tools, information and support pathways designed to help people support themselves and others.

The Hub includes information about mental health, conversation guides, support services and practical resources to help people notice, check in and connect someone with further support when needed.

The Resource Hub is one part of the broader Yellow Bench Project.

No. The Yellow Bench Project is not a counselling service or crisis support service. It is designed to help people feel more confident to notice when someone may be struggling, start supportive conversations and connect people with further help when it is needed.

The Yellow Bench Resource Hub provides information, practical tools and links to support services, but it does not offer individual counselling, clinical advice or crisis support.

Professional services play an important role when someone needs specialised, clinical or urgent support. The role of Yellow Bench is to strengthen everyday connection and help people take the next step.

If someone needs immediate assistance, contact emergency services or a crisis support service.

Mental health services can provide assessment, treatment, counselling, therapy, crisis response and ongoing support. The Yellow Bench Resource Hub does not replace these services.

Instead, the Resource Hub provides plain-English information, conversation tools, practical guidance and links to support services. It is designed to help people understand what support might look like, build confidence to check in with someone, and know where to find professional or urgent help when needed.

Yes. The Resource Hub includes information and tools that may be useful if you are experiencing distress or trying to understand what support might help. You can use it to learn about support options, prepare for a conversation, or find links to further help.

The Resource Hub does not provide individual advice, counselling or crisis support. If you are in immediate danger or need urgent support, contact emergency services or a crisis support service.

Yellow was chosen because it stands out in everyday places and feels warm, hopeful and welcoming.

The yellow bench is a visible symbol of courage, connection and care. It serves as a reminder to pause, check in and look out for one another.

The colour is also inspired by the natural colours of Western Australia, helping reinforce the idea that meaningful conversations can happen anywhere.

The Yellow Bench represents:

• Courage to reach out
• Courage to listen
• Courage to seek support
• Human connection
• Community care
• Looking out for one another

The bench is a reminder that you do not need to be an expert to make a difference. Sometimes the most important thing you can do is simply show up, listen and stay connected.

You may not know.

Someone might be sitting there to rest, wait for someone or simply take a quiet moment.

If it feels appropriate, a simple smile, greeting or “How are you going?” can be enough.

The aim is not to force a conversation or assume someone wants to talk. The Yellow Bench Project is about making everyday connection feel easier, warmer and more natural.

Yellow Benches may be found in everyday places where people naturally gather and connect, such as community spaces, parks, schools, workplaces, community centres, shopping centres, beaches and sporting grounds.

The Yellow Bench Project is continuing to grow across Western Australia, with new locations being added over time.

Visit our Bench Locations page to see how many benches have been registered along with an interactive map showing where you can find all registered community-based benches.

Yellow Bench locations are chosen to help make connection visible in places where people naturally gather, pause or spend time together.

This may include public spaces, schools, workplaces, sporting clubs, community hubs and other locations that support the project’s purpose of encouraging connection, conversation and community wellbeing.

Locations should be welcoming, accessible where possible, and aligned with the values of the Yellow Bench Project.

This may be possible in some circumstances.

If you would like to dedicate a Yellow Bench to someone, please contact us and tell us a little about the person and the location you have in mind. Our team can discuss the options available and any requirements that may apply.

Please note that requests are considered on a case-by-case basis.

No. You do not need to be a mental health expert to support someone.

Many people worry they might say the wrong thing, make things worse or not know what to do. These concerns can stop people from reaching out.

The Yellow Bench Project is not asking everyday people to replace mental health services or act as counsellors. Professional support remains important.

Everyday support is about noticing, checking in, listening and showing care. Often, simply being there, staying connected and helping someone explore support options can make a meaningful difference.

The Resource Hub provides practical information and tools to help people support others safely, respectfully and within their limits.

It is normal to feel unsure.

You do not need perfect words to show someone you care. A simple, genuine question such as:
“I’ve noticed you seem a bit different lately. How are you going?” can help start a conversation.

You also do not need to know someone’s entire story. It is often more helpful to focus on how they are feeling, what support they might need and whether they are safe.

The Resource Hub includes conversation prompts and practical guidance to help you listen respectfully, respond with care and know when additional support may be needed.

Supportive conversations should always be respectful, safe and never forced.

The Yellow Bench Project encourages people to listen without judgement, avoid pressure and know when professional or urgent support may be needed.

A caring conversation cannot replace professional support when someone is in crisis. However, feeling heard, supported and less alone can still make a meaningful difference.

The aim is not for one person to solve everything. It is to help people feel connected and supported while encouraging access to the right help when it is needed.

The Resource Hub includes links to support services, helplines and crisis support options.

If someone needs urgent help, contact a crisis service or emergency services if there is an immediate risk to life.

If someone is in immediate danger, at risk of harming themselves or someone else, or needs urgent medical help, call emergency services. If the situation is not immediately life-threatening but the person needs urgent mental health support, contact a crisis support service or local urgent mental health pathway.

If you can do so safely, stay with the person, listen calmly and help them connect with appropriate support. Do not try to manage a crisis on your own.

Professional support may be needed if someone’s distress is ongoing, worsening or affecting their safety, relationships, work, study, sleep or day-to-day life. It may also be needed if they are talking about not wanting to live, feeling unsafe, using substances to cope, becoming increasingly withdrawn or acting in ways that concern you.

You do not need to decide exactly what type of support they need. You can encourage them to speak with a GP, mental health professional, trusted service, crisis support line or emergency service, depending on the situation.

The Yellow Bench Project is supported through a mix of funding sources, which may include sponsorships, partnerships, fundraising, donations, grants and community support.

This funding helps Richmind WA develop and grow the project, including Yellow Benches, community engagement activities, practical resources and the Resource Hub.

Richmind WA is committed to monitoring and reporting on the growth and reach of the Yellow Bench Project.

This may include measures such as Resource Hub engagement, training participation and Yellow Bench registrations, helping us understand how the project is being used and where it is making a difference.

There are many ways to support the Yellow Bench Project. You can make a donation, fundraise, sponsor a bench, partner with us, share the Resource Hub, start conversations or help spread the message.

Visit the Get Involved page to explore ways to support the project and help build a more connected Western Australia.

Yes. Individuals, workplaces, schools, sporting clubs and community groups can fundraise to support the Yellow Bench Project. Fundraising helps expand the project and bring more people into the conversation. To learn more or to start fundraising for Yellow Bench, click here.

Donations help support the delivery and growth of the Yellow Bench Project. This may include Yellow Benches, the Resource Hub, community engagement activities, learning tools and resources that help people feel more confident to connect and support one another.

The Yellow Bench Project is an initiative of Richmind WA. Donations help support the delivery and growth of the Yellow Bench Project, including Yellow Benches, the Resource Hub, community engagement activities, learning tools and resources that help people feel more confident to connect and support one another.

Yes. We welcome conversations with organisations that share our commitment to connection, wellbeing and community.

Schools, workplaces, community groups, sporting clubs, local governments and other organisations can support the project in a range of ways, including hosting a Yellow Bench, sponsoring a bench, supporting resource development, participating in workplace engagement initiatives, supporting community activations, fundraising, volunteering time or skills, or helping spread the message.

Partnership opportunities are flexible and can be tailored to the type of organisation and the level of involvement. Visit the Get Involved page or contact the Yellow Bench Project team to discuss the options available.

Yes. Workplaces, organisations and community groups are welcome to support the Yellow Bench Project. If you’d like to make a donation on behalf of an organisation, or discuss sponsorship, hosting a bench or partnership opportunities, please contact the Yellow Bench Project team to explore the options available.

Yes. Organisations are welcome to use Yellow Bench resources to support staff wellbeing activities, internal conversations, awareness days or learning sessions, provided the resources are used respectfully and in line with the purpose of the Yellow Bench project.

We encourage organisations to share photos and experiences from their staff wellbeing activities through the Share your Story form. You can also tag Richmind WA on social media @Richmind WA and #yellowbench so we can see and celebrate how your organisation is using Yellow Bench resources to support connection and wellbeing.

We believe lived experience voices play an important role in building understanding, connection and hope.

Opportunities to contribute stories, reflections or insights may become available as the Resource Hub grows.

If you are interested in sharing your story, let us know by completed our ‘Share Your Story’ form.

Stories should be shared in a safe, respectful and supported way, with care taken around privacy and sensitive details.

Potentially. We’re interested in sharing authentic voices that help others feel less alone and more confident in supporting one another.

If you would like to be involved, please complete our Expressions of Interest or Share Your Story form and tell us a little more about yourself, why you’d like to be involved and in what way.

Yes, potentially.

Volunteer opportunities may be available from time to time during events, activations, community engagement projects or future initiatives.

Current volunteering opportunities are available on the Richmind WA website here, or alternatively, contact our team via the Contact Us form.

We welcome conversations with people and organisations who would like to contribute expertise, services or resources to support the project and invite you to reach out to our team via the Contact Us form.

Yes. We welcome suggestions for new Yellow Bench locations.

If you know of a place where people naturally gather, connect or spend time together, we’d love to hear about it. Suitable locations may include schools, workplaces, community hubs, public spaces, sporting clubs and other community settings.

Please contact us with details of the location, who manages the site (if known), and why you think it would be a good fit for the Yellow Bench Project. Our team can then assess whether the location aligns with the purpose and requirements of the project.

Workplaces, schools, sporting clubs, community groups, local governments and other organisations can express interest in hosting, sponsoring or supporting a Yellow Bench.

A Yellow Bench can help make conversations about mental health more visible and provide a simple prompt for people to pause, connect and check in.

The Yellow Bench Project team can talk you through the available options, including location suitability, registration, sponsorship opportunities, installation requirements, QR code access and ongoing project support.

If you’re interested in bringing a Yellow Bench to your community, we’d be happy to discuss what might work best for your organisation.

There are sponsorship options to suit different organisations. Sponsorship may help cover the bench, transport, installation and the digital link to the Resource Hub.

Richmind WA is a registered charity, so some donations and sponsorships may be tax-deductible. Please contact Richmind WA for current details.

Yes. Painting a Yellow Bench can be a meaningful way for people to take part in the project, start conversations about mental health and build stronger relationships and connections in their community.

We use Dulux Softsun for our community benches.

If you take photos as you are painting your bench or once it is all done, you can share them with us through the Share your Story form. Your photos may help inspire other groups to get involved and show how connection starts in everyday places.

If sharing your photos and story on social media, don’t forget to tag us at @RichmindWA and #yellowbench.

Painting benches with your sports club is a great way to bring people together, start conversations about mental health and build stronger relationships and connections across your club community.

Where possible, please use Dulux Softsun paint, so each bench is consistent with the project.

We encourage your club to take photos while you are painting and share them with us through the Share your Story form. This helps capture the community effort behind each bench and may encourage other groups to get involved.
Before you begin, please make sure your bench is registered and that you have the approved QR code or digital link to the Resource Hub.

The Yellow Bench Project team can provide the approved QR code or digital link for registered benches. This helps make sure people scanning a bench are taken to the current Resource Hub and approved support information.

Please contact the team before creating your own QR code or printed signage, so the bench remains aligned with the project and links to the right information. And we can also help you capture details of how many people are scanning the code at your bench.