Say Hello benches for loneliness awareness week

People can drop by and ‘say hello’ at seven spots around the Dudley borough this Loneliness Awareness Week (13-17 June).

From next Monday seven benches will be decorated and staffed by local community groups, encouraging people to stop for a chat and maybe take part in an activity.  The ‘say hello’ benches are inspired by comedian John Bishop whose own ‘Say Hello’ campaign launched in June as part of the Month of Community.

Activities on offer include craft sessions, book swapping, singing, hula hooping and tea drinking. Meanwhile volunteers at the bench will engage residents in conversation and provide relevant signposting information.

The Dudley initiative is a close collaboration between Dudley Council, Dudley Adult Community Learning, Halesowen Business Improvement District, London Cambridge Properties, Gather Café, Just Straight Talk, The Sedgley Townswomen Guild and Mindful Moms.

For more details on what’s on and where see this press release.