An exciting initiative was launched on Thursday, 1st February in Southampton. Talking Benches have been installed in three popular parks in the city to encourage conversation and reduce social isolation.
Three local benches have been wrapped in red and white stripes, and adorned with a plaque that encourages those taking a seat to strike up polite, friendly conversation with others. The Benches can be found at St James’ Park in Shirley, Riverside Park in Bitterne Park, and the Miller’s Pond conservation area in Sholing.
The benches were unveiled by the Lord Mayor of Southampton, Councillor Valerie Lambert, at the St James’ Park bench on Thursday 1 February. This is in line with Time to Talk Day, a national initiative that encourages mental health conversations between friends, families, communities, and workplaces.
The project is a collaboration between SO: Linked (Southampton Voluntary Services), Saints Foundation, Friends of St James’ Park, and the University of Southampton. The Benches provide a space where people who are lonely or struggling with their mental health can talk with others in the community.
Joe Jenness, Senior Manager at Southampton Voluntary Services said “We are delighted to launch these talking benches across the city. Hopefully, this initiative will get people chatting, break down barriers and reduce loneliness. Social Isolation is as dangerous to health as smoking and often a friendly conversation can go along way to help people feel more connected with the world.”
“These benches are the result of a fantastic collaboration between us, Saints Foundation, Friends of St James Park, and the University of Southampton, supported by the Effective Partnerships Practice fund. Its wonderful to see local charities and organisations working in collaboration to help the communities they serve.”
“Southampton has a thriving voluntary and community sector, full of organisations committed to improving the livelihoods of the city’s residents. The QR code on the bench links to information about the bench project and our SOLID database, which has a key word and postcode search to help Sotonians find out what help is local to them.”
“We’d also like to thank Elmtree Signs for the installation of the benches, and Spectrum Signs for their support with design and signage.”
The benches will be supported with a dedicated web page hosted by SO: Linked and a QR code that will allow individuals to leave comments and feedback on the spaces. On this web page you can also find signposting information to other community services across Southampton.
Picture credit Friends of St James Park