(extracts taken from several articles)

-Elena Mondal was found in the grounds of Henrietta Barnett school in Hampstead Garden Suburb, on 5 June 2017. 

-The 14-year-old had been asked to see the school counsellor over concerns about missing meals and feelings of depression, but she had missed appointments. 

- When asked if the school's "hothouse culture" could be putting pupils at risk of mental health issues, she said: "It is not unusual for teenage girls at different points to engage in experiments with food or self-harm."

While I will not comment on the school's questionable approaches to such situations, I will say this. If a friend of mine took their own life, the least I deserve would be a memorial to someone I loved. The school denied the current year 13s (who won't be here next year) of having a bench for her. They believe it will scare people away,  as if it will 'tarnish their reputation'. The school has failed us. I will not accept this.

Her friends couldn't do it, but we can. Elena deserves better. We can work together and make a change, so that more people such as Elena won't have to suffer all alone. Install a bench for her, and let it be a sign of peace and hope.