New benches aim to tackle isolation and loneliness in East Suffolk
Seven so-called 'Happy to Chat' benches have been installed in parts of the district
New benches in parts of East Suffolk have been installed to combat loneliness and isolation.
Funded by the Kesgrave, Rushmere St Andrew, Martlesham, Carlford and Fynn Valley Community Partnership, they aim to encourage people to talk to each other.
They can be identified by 'Happy to Chat' plaques donated by Healthwatch Suffolk and can be found in Martlesham Heath, Grundisburgh, Swilland/Witnesham, Great Bealings, Charsfield and Rushmere St Andrew village.
Nicole Rickard, Head of Communities at East Suffolk Council, thinks they will help people who have felt cut-off due to the pandemic.
She said: "We know that young people have been impacted by the pandemic despite their digital connectivity, which sometimes the older generations don't have, particularly older people have been impacted.
"We've talked to a number of people who've said they haven't been further than the end of their garden for a year.
"We know there are lots of people of all ages that are feeling cut-off and isolated, and we're hoping this is one step on the path to encouraging people to connect together again."