Join The Friendly Bench Network
Making a difference across the country
Communities across the country are telling us what a difference The Friendly Bench is making to their local areas.
Whether it is for art sessions, plant swaps, social picnics or a starting point for activities such as litter-picking and wellbeing walks, The Friendly Bench is proving a catalyst for positive change.
a) The Full Installation:
A substantial, bespoke outdoor seating area with planters, installed in your agreed public outdoor space. Your installation is fully supported with comprehensive, ongoing advice, guidance and practical help – from location choice and maintaining your bench, to guidance on how to plan and run the activity programme. To find out if you have everything you need to in place for our
full The Friendly BenchⓇ installation simply click below.
b) The Pop-Up Scheme:
If you already have a suitable outdoor meeting area in your community, and you don’t need the full installation, then the pop-up scheme will be ideal. The pop-up scheme features free branded marketing resources to help you define and promote your chosen The Friendly Bench location and activities, plus full organisational support to get you up and running and access to ongoing advice and guidance.
Whichever scheme you choose, our dedicated Friendly Bench team is ready to help organisers breathe life into your new social space. We will provide direct support, guidance and personalised advice on how to fund, plan, market and organise your The Friendly Bench and regular activities. Organisers also benefit from access to peer support and knowledge exchange through the The Friendly Bench Members Network and learning programmes to enhance skills and build a network of like-minded individuals dedicated to community growth. To find out more click below.
On the BBC
The Friendly Bench CIC was filmed by BBC East Midlands and then featured on BBC News's website and Facebook page.