‘Happy to Chat’ benches coming to Newcastle in bid to get people talking

Geordies are being encouraged to get chatting in an effort to combat loneliness and isolation with a new ‘Happy to Chat’ campaign.

Benches are being installed around South Tyneside and the goal is that members of the public who sit on them will be able to have a chinwag with others needing to talk.

There will be around 40 benches in total which will be placed in the Borough's parks, open spaces, cemeteries, town centres and villages.

Each one will be marked with signage that identifies them as Happy to Chat benches for people to sit wanting to converse.

The benches will feature a message that reads: “Sit here if you don’t mind someone stopping to say hello."

The scheme is part of South Tyneside Council's efforts to improve health and wellbeing and break barriers of loneliness.

Councillor Tracey Dixon, Leader of South Tyneside Council, said: “We are delighted to be introducing Happy to Chat benches across the Borough.

“We know only too well the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on people’s wellbeing, with many people not having any social contact whatsoever, due to lockdowns and periods of isolation and shielding.

"This very challenging and difficult period has certainly highlighted the importance of human social interactions for positive mental health.

“We hope the concept of the Happy to Chat benches will help to encourage community interactions between people of all ages as well as strengthen support for those experiencing loneliness.

"They are a simple and effective way to help people start up conversations while they are out enjoying our green spaces or strolling through our towns and villages.”

Councillor Anne Hetherington, Lead Member for Independence and Wellbeing, added: “Social isolation and loneliness can have such a detrimental impact on people’s health and wellbeing, and it can happen to anybody, at any point in their lives.

"Even a young person, with a large support network, can feel isolated within themselves.

“These new Happy to Chat benches create an opportunity for people to speak to each other face to face.

"The simple act of taking time out to chat with someone new, even for a brief ‘hello’, could make a real difference to the vulnerable people in our communities, who are struggling with loneliness and isolation. It could be the best part of their day.”