Volunteer spreads the word about tackling loneliness and social isolation
Published: 12 June 2024
Beckie Hudson (sitting) and Rachael Clark from the Council's Neighbourhoods team in the Market Place with volunteer Rob Malcolm
A volunteer is working with Derby City Council to help people get chatting to combat loneliness and social isolation.
Rob Malcolm, who has worked with the Council and the Derby Parks team for the past five years to champion accessibility, has joined in partnership with the Council’s Neighbourhoods team to develop a network of ‘Happy to Chat’ benches in prominent locations across the city.
Temporary signs encouraging passers-by to stop and talk are being installed on public benches which have been nominated by neighbourhood officers, with input from the community.
Signs also feature QR Codes that can be scanned with a phone to show a map with the location of other benches in different areas.
What started with an initiative in Wales to combat loneliness and encourage community engagement and cohesion, has expanded into a successful worldwide movement.
Rob Malcolm said:
The pandemic, an ageing population and family breakdown are some of the things that have led to a huge increase in social isolation and loneliness, which at its worst can lead to anxiety and depression. Just a five-minute chat with a fellow human being about the weather can make all the difference to someone who may not have had a conversation for days.
Charles Edwards, Derby City Council’s Director of Communities, said:
Loneliness is very common and something people can be reluctant to admit to, but starting a conversation can also feel difficult. This simple idea takes away all that uncertainty and I’m grateful to Rob for bringing it to Derby.
This initiative is a great example of how our Neighbourhoods team are working with people in the community, to make things happen which can benefit us all and support our communities to become stronger.
For more information about where to find help and support with issues affecting mental health, visit the Derby and Derbyshire Emotional Health and Wellbeing website.