Signs along a coastal path in East Cleveland, designed to offer support to individuals struggling with mental health, have been repeatedly vandalized, leaving their creator, Paul Waugh, disheartened.
Paul Waugh initiated the project six years ago, placing stones with supportive messages along the coastal path. He believed these “hope stones” had saved lives, offering solace to those in distress. Despite their positive impact, the stones have been vandalized over 70 times, either being smashed or thrown away.
Waugh, who finances the signs himself, expressed frustration over the continuous vandalism. “I’m doing it for people that are having problems. If you don’t like them, just walk by,” he urged.
In conversations with distressed individuals, Waugh has often provided support, hoping that the signs would continue to offer comfort in his absence. “When I’m not here, I hope [the signs] can help someone. And they have done, many times,” he added.
Initially, the stones were plain, but their success led Waugh to add written messages, enhancing their impact. He has received messages of gratitude from individuals who found support through the signs.
Despite the repeated destruction of over 70 signs, Waugh remains committed to his cause, though he admits feeling upset by the vandalism. “I get upset about it – but they’re not for me, I’m doing it for people that are having problems. If you don’t like them, just walk by,” he reiterated.
The BBC has reached out to Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council for a comment regarding the ongoing vandalism of the mental health support signs.
Related topics:
- Navy Sailor Disciplined After Attempt to Access Biden’s Health Records
- Former Forest of Dean Hospitals Sold, Proceeds to Benefit Local Healthcare
- Finding the Best Abortion Clinics: A Part of Your Life
