Chatty Bench

‘Chatty Benches’, or ‘Happy To Chat’ benches are essentially community or public benches that have a sign identifying them as such, there is no formal designation or centrally administered scheme. The sign normally includes the words ‘Sit here if you don’t mind someone stopping to say hello’. The idea is that a visible and active ‘Chatty Bench’ will increase connections between individuals within the community, reduce isolation and loneliness, and increase wellbeing in the local area.

One such Chatty Bench has been designated in the centre of Tadley, next to the Library and on the property of a local supermarket. The pre-existing bench was identified by the local Men's Shed community group, and refurbished with the permission of the store manager.

From a wellbeing economy perspective the initiative embodies a number of core values, such as providing for the wellbeing of others, working for a common good, and encouraging participation and engagement. The wellbeing economy aspect extends far beyond direct users of the bench, with significant impacts for those that worked on the bench, within the institutions that were consulted regarding it's creation, and as a tangible representation of community aspirations towards a more caring society - even for those that don't sit on it.

Initiatives to create Chatty Benches are normally very well supported by local institutions. The grand unveiling of this bench was attended by the Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane, a Town Councillor, the store manager, as well as representatives from NHS mental health services and a number of other community groups.

The Basingstoke Gazette sent a reporter and printed the story (covered online here), and an interview was recorded and broadcast on a local TV channel, as well as being posted on social media (Facebook and X). Further information on chatty bench locations and activities can be found on this Facebook page.