Netflix donates ‘hope is everything’ bench in Hemel after filming of hit show After Life

To mark the final series of the much-loved show, Netflix has donated a bench to Hemel Hempstead and 25 other locations around the UK to create a space for communities to visit.

Thd Netflix hit series ‘After Life’ is renowned for its scenes showing Ricky Gervais’ character, Tony, on a bench at his local churchyard, as he continues to grieve for his wife Lisa, played by Kerry Godliman. The bench serves as a place for Tony to reflect, share, listen and, ultimately, to grow and find hope for the future.

Hemel Hempstead was used for many locations in the village of Tambury and we have chosen to install the bench across the road from the location used as the newspaper office – used in real life by voluntary group Community Action Dacorum in the heart of Hemel’s Old Town High Street.

Many local businesses in the High Street were used in the programme, including the House of Elliott, The Tea Tree and Artichoke.

The benches have been commissioned alongside suicide prevention charity Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) – who offer help, advice and information to anyone who is struggling or in crisis. Those who visit a bench will be able to access resources from CALM via a unique QR code with the wording “Life can be tough, but there’s always hope. Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is by your side”, and online by visiting the CALM website.

Ricky Gervais said: “We hope the benches will create a lasting legacy for After Life, as well as become a place for people to visit, and we are thrilled to be associated with CALM and the great work they do.”

Simon Gunning, CEO at CALM, said: “Park benches provide opportunities to reflect, talk to someone, sit shoulder to shoulder with someone and get things off your chest. That is why we’re delighted to team up with Netflix to put benches in parks across the country – inscribed with that crucial line from the show, “Hope is everything” – to help people have those conversations and to show it’s normal to have those feelings.”

Pictured on the bench from left to right – Cllr Alan Anderson (Dacorum Borough Council), Olivia Deacon (Artichoke), Cindy Withy (Community Action Dacorum) and Michele Elliott (House of Elliott).