One of the issues we discussed at our recent AGM in April 2021 was how we could become more involved in our local community and contribute to people’s wellbeing. One initiative we spotted recently that we could take part in is the ‘Happy To Chat’ benches across the city. Collaborative Newcastle write: “As part of our work to improve wellbeing across the City, we have installed new signage across public benches to help break down barriers and get people talking. The ‘Happy to Chat’ benches feature a simple sign which reads ‘Sit here if you don’t mind someone stopping to say hello’ and are designed to help combat loneliness and encourage community interaction.”

Find out more and take part here: Happy to Chat Benches

Who are Collaborative Newcastle?

From their website: “Collaborative Newcastle is an innovative new partnership which aims to transform the health, wealth and wellbeing of everyone in the city. The city’s ‘anchor institutions’ – some of the largest organisations which support local communities and the local economy – are working closely with each other and with local people to combine their efforts, expertise and resources in new and creative ways. By working together in this way, our aim is to reduce inequality and provide better opportunities for all – children, families, adults and older people alike.”