Staff from the A Better Medway team will
talk to residents during the talking bench tour.
The Chatty bench will tour Medway to highlight the importance of staying connected.
A chatty bench will tour Medway as part of Medway Council’s A Better Medway - Together campaign which aims to reduce loneliness and social isolation.
The talking bench will visit a number of locations across Medway to encourage residents to sit and talk to members of the council’s A Better Medway team to find out more about the importance of staying connected with others. The team will also provide information about a range of services and clubs across Medway where residents can meet new people and learn new skills. Residents can also pick up a free talking tips pack and other tools which can help build confidence and help encourage more residents to speak with others to help Medway being better connected and combat social isolation and loneliness.
The wooden bench was handmade by Men in Sheds, a project which supports local men to stay well by getting together to share their interests and skills, including sessions such as woodcraft, music sessions and art. Men in Sheds focuses mainly, but not exclusively, on men over 25 who are not in work and retirees.
Cllr David Brake, Portfolio Holder for Adult Services, covering Public Health, said:
“I am extremely pleased that the Talking Bench will be visiting a number of locations across Medway. Loneliness and social isolation can affect residents of any age and I would encourage as many people as possible to visit the bench and start a conversation. We will continue to work with our partners to further help our residents make more connections in their local area.”
Tackling loneliness doesn’t have to mean making a big gesture. Sometimes a simple hello can make a big difference. We know it can be hard to start a conversation with someone new, so here are our top tips:
• Ask someone’s opinion, for example, ask what they think of the weather.
• In a queue? Say hello to someone.
• Ask open questions and avoid questions that only have a yes or no answers, for example, ask what someone’s plans are for the weekend.
The bench will start its tour on Monday 28th October at Chatham Library from 10:00am to 1:00pm.
For more information on our Together in Medway activities, and to get involved by making a pledge, visit: www.medway.gov.uk/community
Follow #MedwayTogether on social media to find out more about ways to connect with your community.
The Chatty bench will be at Rainham Shopping Centre on Friday 1st November from 10:00am to 2:00pm and at Rainham Library on Monday 4th November from 10:00am to 2:00pm.
Medway Council
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