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TL;DR: Mid and East Antrim has added eight new Chatty Benches across the borough, offering spaces for people to connect, reduce loneliness, and improve wellbeing. The initiative now brings the total number of benches to 26.

Community Comes Together with Chatty Benches

Mid and East Antrim’s Loneliness Network has introduced eight new Chatty Benches across the borough, furthering efforts to tackle loneliness and encourage community connection.

The benches, repurposed from Carnfunnock Country Park’s redevelopment, are designed to bring people together for a chat, a smile, or even new friendships.

Where the New Chatty Benches Are Located

The new benches can now be found in the following areas:

• Ferris Park, Larne
• Galgorm, Ballymena
• Larne Library
• Mariners Court, Clanmil Housing, Carrickfergus
• Coast Road, Ballygally
• St Cedmas Church, Larne
• Scotch Quarter, Woven Housing Association, Carrickfergus
• Abbeyfield and Wesley Supported Living Scheme, Greenisland

Encouraging Conversation and Connection

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, welcomed the expansion of the initiative, saying:

“The Chatty Benches initiative is one of many that aims to engage people in activities to minimise their sense of isolation. The ethos behind it is to encourage anyone who wants to engage in conversation with someone to sit down on a bench and just have a chat.

Each bench also has a plaque with a QR code that residents can scan for more information about the Loneliness Network. I am delighted to see eight more benches established in the Borough and hope they brighten up someone’s day.”

Tackling Loneliness Across the Borough

Sabrina Lynn from the Northern Health and Social Care Trust highlighted the importance of the initiative:

“In recent years, more local people are experiencing loneliness and isolation. Chatty Benches are a great way to break down those social barriers as they encourage us all to say hello and have a chat.”

Mid and East Antrim Loneliness Network Chairperson, Marjorie Hawkins, added:

“Chatty Benches are designed to help tackle loneliness and support positive mental health within the community. We now have 26 benches across the Borough, and we hope these new ones will continue to be seen as places for people to come together, chat, and connect.”

Why Chatty Benches Matter

Chatty Benches are more than just seating—they are safe, welcoming spaces where people can spark conversations and combat loneliness. By encouraging simple social interactions, the benches help promote:

• Stronger community ties
• Better mental health
• Reduced feelings of isolation