If you’ve taken a walk around Pembrokeshire recently, you may have noticed one of many ‘Happy Benches’ recently installed in a bid to combat loneliness and isolation in the widespread community. The idea was originally created by Milford Haven School in September 2020, who then asked the town council for their advice on where to put the benches.
The school donated benches to be installed in the local community. Originally, there were two benches installed outside Hakin and Hubbeston community centres, as well as in Steynton. To date, there are benches across the school catchment area, not just in Milford, but in Neyland and Johnston too.
The Happy Benches are made visible with a black and white laminated sign, which offers those passing by the opportunity to sit and start a conversation with someone. The hope is that the Happy Benches will encourage people to talk to strangers within their community and form valued connections, at a time when it’s needed most.
The signs encourage those using the benches to share their pictures with the community, via social media and spread the word with hashtags such as #thehappybench #spreadalittlesunshine, as well as the opportunity for those passing by to request a sign for other benches in their local area.
Allison Owen-Jones, from Cardiff, originally created designated ‘Happy to Chat’ benches in 2019, in her local community to encourage strangers to strike up conversations. ‘Happy to Chat’ benches are now appearing across the UK, and have even been seen in the US and Australia. Happy Benches have been spotted across the three counties of West Wales, appearing in scenic locations such as Tenby and Aberystwyth seafront.
The world can be very isolating for many, not just the elderly or those living alone. The current situation may make people feel more detached and lonelier than before.
Campaign To End Loneliness claim that as well as physical health risks, loneliness can also affect self-esteem, “causing anxiety, fear, shame and helplessness“.
Comedian Andy Parsons (Mock the Week and Live at the Apollo) fronts a video from the Campaign To End Loneliness to encourage people to talk more.
The film shows public reaction as Andy spends a day in a shopping centre, pre-COVID-19, encouraging people to put down their smartphones and have a chat. Secret cameras captured the moment surprised shoppers were approached by Andy, and despite some early awkward moments, the video shows the laughter and joy talking to strangers can bring.
The video is part of Be More Us, a nationwide movement (launched in 2018) to inspire connection, tackle loneliness and bring people together. Loneliness affects nine million people in the UK.
The video was developed off the back of research showing that small moments of connection, such as talking with strangers, can make us feel more connected in our communities and reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. Polling by the Campaign To End Loneliness found that 9 in 10 UK adults believe that these small moments of connection can help to tackle loneliness.
Of course, loneliness can affect all of us, regardless of age or circumstance. The Happy Bench project members at Milford Haven were keen to recognise this, placing a happy bench in their own school grounds.
Ms Morris, Headteacher of Milford Haven School said,
“Although loneliness is often talked about as an issue that affects the elderly, we know that young people can also at times feel alone and may need a safe place to reach out and connect with those around them.”
If you would like to start a happy bench in your local area, the laminated signs can be requested through thehappybenchproject@gmail.com
Read more about Campaign To End Loneliness and their recent ‘Be more us’ movement here.
