Published on Wednesday, 29 January 2020 at 1:54:11 PM
Albany has its first ‘Happy to Chat’ bench thanks to a partnership between agencies that aims to address social isolation within our community and create friendly and supportive connections with each other.
The City has partnered with WA Primary Health Alliance (WAPHA) to implement the ‘Happy to Chat’ bench project where seats around Albany will be branded to encourage people to stop and say hello to each other.
It comes off the back of the recently launched Compassionate Communities Charter, with the benches providing a safe and convenient place for those feeling lonely to sit and let others know they welcome a chat from passers-by.
City of Albany’s Executive Director Community Services Susan Kay said the ‘Happy to Chat’ initiative is one way community can help combat a loneliness epidemic affecting one-in-four Australians.
“Social isolation is an issue we can all help to fight by making sure we are inclusive, encouraging positive conversations and showing our compassion as a community,” Ms Kay said.
“By providing a platform for people to support one another and offer genuine connection we can increase compassion and empathy, reducing the rate of loneliness and boosting the level of healthy conversation that happens in our community.”
WA Primary Health Alliance Regional Manager Lesley Pearson said the first ‘Happy to Chat’ bench overlooking Princess Royal Harbour showed how easy but important it is to create a safe and inviting place for people to talk, whether it’s simply passing the time of day or a deeper conversation.
“This exemplifies the spirit of the Compassionate Communities project and the commitment from the Department of Transport as landowner to support the wellbeing of the local community and provide their bench for this initiative,” she said.
The first ‘Happy to Chat’ bench is opposite the boat pens near Albany Entertainment Centre and Due South, and has a plaque identifying its purpose.
The City is seeking suitable locations for more ‘Happy to Chat’ benches across Albany as part of the ongoing project with WAPHA.
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