The signs along a coastal path in East Cleveland, offering support and hope to those struggling with their mental health, have been repeatedly damaged and destroyed by vandals. Paul Waugh first came up with the idea of placing the signs six years ago, and credits the messages on the stones with saving lives. However, he has had to replace them over 70 times due to continuous smashing or throwing away of the stones. Waugh, who pays for the signs himself, calls them “hope stones” and said that they often attract the attention of distressed people who want to chat.
The signs, which didn’t originally have anything written on them, have individual messages that people can read. According to Waugh, they have done very well, and he has received messages from people thanking him for the support they have offered. But he is frustrated and upset by the repeated vandalisation of the stones, explaining that he is doing it for the people who are having problems. He said if people don’t like the stones, they can simply walk by.
Waugh is hoping that the stones will help people even when he is not there and has seen them do so many times. He has reportedly witnessed the stones making a difference in people’s lives, as well as people in distress commonly stopping to read them. The BBC has approached Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council for comment.
In the meantime, Waugh has continued placing the signs along the footpath, which are an important symbol of hope and support to many people. If you’ve been affected by issues raised in this article, you can find information and support at BBC Action Line
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