The Friendly BenchⓇ - Reconnecting people back to their community

The Friendly Bench CIC is a social enterprise which aims to tackle loneliness, social isolation and build community cohesion using our innovative, purposely designed outdoor social spaces that reconnect people back to their own community.

The Friendly Bench structure and sensory planting

Specially designed outdoor social spaces

 

Specially designed, constructed and adhering to DDA guidelines, The Friendly BenchⓇ are safe, easily accessible mini-community gardens with integrated seating and sensory planting which are situated within communities for people to meet, chat, connect with nature, build friendships and a sense of belonging.

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Active social hubs

 

The Friendly BenchⓇ are active, social hubs where free, community-led activities and events are regularly held to encourage everyone to participate, have fun, feel accepted, valued and develop a support network.

The Friendly Bench Ipswich volunteers and visitors

Community-led

 

Every The Friendly BenchⓇ is independently managed, funded and run by it’s own voluntary group / organisation for their own community. As a member of The Friendly BenchⓇ network, each group receives free advice, support, sharing of best practice, marketing resources, publicity and promotion from The Friendly BenchⓇ CIC team. 

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Tackling loneliness, social isolation and increasing community cohesion

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Every The Friendly BenchⓇ, wherever it is based in the country, aims to reduce social isolation, increase community cohesion and help reconnect people back to their own community.

 

The Friendly BenchⓇ can positively improve a community's quality of life.

"It's wonderful to have The Friendly BenchⓇ near my home, now I am able to get outside and meet my friends."

Betty, 84

"The Friendly BenchⓇ is a really fantastic and innovative project which I am confident will help combat loneliness in our local community."

Sir Alan Duncan

"Love The Friendly BenchⓇ. Hoping to see them rolled out around the UK."

Rachel Reeves MP

Co-Chair of Jo Cox Commission on Loneliness

"The Friendly BenchⓇ gives me a real boost, it takes me out of myself, it gives me something to do and more fresh air!" 

Steve, 57

The Friendly BenchⓇ
Best Social Enterprise Award winner

Lyndsey Young, Founder of The Friendly BenchⓇ CIC and winner of Best Social Enterprise, discusses how The Friendly BenchⓇ is a growing movement, working with communities to help them improve their health and mental wellbeing, community resilience and cohesion, whilst tackling loneliness and social isolation. 

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Please note, The Friendly Bench™ name, The Friendly Bench™ logo, The Friendly Bench™ structure design, photos, text and all other content on this website is the property of The Friendly Bench CIC and is protected by UK and international copyright and other intellectual property laws.

 

Reproduction or copying of The Friendly Bench™ name, logo, products, images or text featured on this website and belonging to The Friendly Bench CIC could result in legal action.