Chatty Bench Installed in Newry Mourne and Down area at Crossgar’s Square
Pictured at the unveiling of the new Chatty Bench located at the Square, Crossgar are (l-r) Clair Armstrong, Social Worker, Multidisciplinary Team, South Eastern HSC Trust,; Deputy Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Councillor David Lee-Surginor, who is also Vice Chair of the Rowallane DEA Forum, and Rowallane DEA Forum Coordinator Ellen Brennan.
Chatty Benches are a simple idea where existing or newly installed benches have a sign on them that shows by sitting on them, a person is happy to chat with whoever comes and sits next to them.
A Council;spokesperson said: “The ‘Chatty Bench’ initiative is a partnership between Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and the Southern Health and Social Care Trust (SHSCT) and the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust.
“The aim of the benches is to encourage those experiencing loneliness and isolation to take a seat as a way to connect with others to start and engage in conversation.
“Currently there are 18 ‘Chatty Benches’ across the district which include a combination of newly installed benches or preexisting benches with plaques.”
It’s good to talk!
 Clair Armstrong, Social Worker, Multidisciplinary){kind=link}