Oban's Kenneth remembered with talking bench

Martyn's Monday Club unveiled a memorial bench to Oban's Kenneth A J Pearson last Wednesday, May 5.

 

Kenneth, aged 34, took his own life in September 2020. His family kindly donated the proceeds from his funeral service to the club, a registered Scottish charity.

 

Charity service co-ordinator Des MacMillan spoke to the board of trustees and members to see what they thought about providing a special 'talking bench' in Kenneth’s memory.

 

The bench, on the Corran Esplanade, highlights the need for talking, either to a stranger, a member of your family or a friend.

 

Kenneth’s family were asked their thoughts and welcomed the suggestion.

 

Kenneth was an important and popular member of the community, who was well respected and loved. He always had a smile on his face and cheered so many with a conversation, as he would never pass by anyone without a hello or a chat.

 

His presence was a big one and his smile is sadly missed by the whole community.

 

Scotland has a higher recorded suicide rate than the UK and conversation is so important to help with any form of mental health problem or illness. It is also great for meeting other people.

 

Talking saves lives is the message Martyn’s Monday Club is trying to spread.

 

The charity, which has recently had some internal changes, reassures Argyll it is here to stay, said Mr MacMillan. He said the future of the charity is positive with people in place to provide the community with support.

 

By laying the bench, he said the foundations for a safer Argyll are being set in concrete along with Kenny’s memory.

 

Some tips for conversation are:

 

1. Find a companion. Stranger, friend, or other

 

2. If you are feeling awkward, turn to your companion and have a laugh about it.

 

3. Select a conversation starter, which can be anything.

 

4. Start a conversation.

 

Conversation tips:

 

Listen: keep an open mind. Avoid interruptions. Ask open questions about aspects of

 

curiosity. Wander: do not feel you need to use every card or stick to the topic. Be guided by curiosity.

 

Pause: it’s ok to pause in conversation. It takes courage to leave space and ponder.

 

Time: be aware your companion may need to leave and so might you. Set some

 

boundaries or expectations if you need to. Time is precious. Embrace what you have.

 

Be curious. Be respectful. Be yourself.