Mid and East Antrim Gets Two New ‘Chatty Benches’ to Help Tackle Loneliness

Two new ‘Chatty Benches’ have been installed in Ballymena as part of Mid and East Antrim’s ongoing efforts to reduce loneliness and social isolation. The benches encourage local people to sit down, chat, and connect with others in the community.

Mid and East Antrim’s Loneliness Network has announced the installation of two new ‘Chatty Benches’ in Ballymena, helping expand a growing initiative aimed at tackling loneliness and encouraging social connection across the Borough.

The benches have been placed on land owned by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive and are designed to provide welcoming public spaces where people can stop for a conversation, meet others, and feel more connected within their local community.

The two new locations are:

• The Rectory Estate / Devenagh Way, Ballymena
• Ballee Way, Ballymena

What Are Chatty Benches?

The idea behind the ‘Chatty Benches’ project is simple but effective. Anyone who would like a conversation can sit on the bench and invite others to stop and chat.

Each bench also includes a plaque with a QR code, allowing residents to quickly access information about the Mid and East Antrim Loneliness Network and the support available throughout the area.

Supporting Community Connection in Mid and East Antrim

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, welcomed the latest additions to the project.

He said:

“The ‘Chatty Benches’ project is one of several initiatives focused on helping reduce feelings of loneliness and social isolation by encouraging community engagement.

“The idea is simple – anyone wishing to strike up a conversation can take a seat and chat with others. Each bench also features a plaque with a unique QR code, allowing residents to access information about the Loneliness Network.

“I’m delighted to see two additional benches installed within the Borough and hope they help make a positive difference to people’s day.”

Roy McClean from the Northern Ireland Housing Executive also highlighted the importance of creating opportunities for people to connect socially.

He said:

“In recent years, increasing numbers of local people have experienced loneliness and isolation. Chatty Benches offer a simple but effective way to break down social barriers by encouraging people to say hello and connect with one another.”

28 Chatty Benches Now Across the Borough

Chairperson of the Mid and East Antrim Loneliness Network, Marjorie Hawkins, said the initiative continues to grow across the Borough.

She explained:

“Chatty Benches are intended to help address loneliness and promote positive mental wellbeing throughout the community. We now have 28 Chatty Benches located across the Borough.

“We hope these two new benches will become welcoming places where people can meet, talk, and feel connected.”

Why Projects Like Chatty Benches Matter

Loneliness and social isolation continue to affect many people across Northern Ireland, particularly older residents and those living alone. Small community-focused projects such as Chatty Benches can help create informal opportunities for conversation and friendship in everyday public spaces.

The initiative forms part of wider efforts across Mid and East Antrim to improve wellbeing, encourage inclusion, and strengthen local communities.