The Friendly Bench has arrived in Kent

We are so pleased to share that our latest The Friendly Bench has officially opened in Kent and we have welcomed Tonbridge Baptist Church to our network.

Located situated right outside of their day centre, The Friendly Bench Tonbridge will enable people of all ages and abilities to come together to take part in events and build friendships, share skills and be part of their community. Tonbridge Baptist Church will lead The Friendly Bench events and activities with collaboration from other community groups.

On 6th October the Mayor of Tonbridge and Malling, Cllr Sue Bell, was joined by pupils from Long Mead Primary School and residents of the Tonbridge Baptist Church day centre to officially declare The Friendly Bench open. The children also took part in a bulb planting activity The Friendly Bench and there was a delicious cake made especially for the event. Here’s a short video by Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council of the official opening day.

Mayor Cllr Sue Bell said: “The Friendly Bench is such a wonderful idea and will no doubt become the hub of community life here. I’m delighted to officially open The Friendly Bench which will provide a safe space for people to meet up outside throughout the seasons.”

Emma Lander, Community Engagement Worker for Tonbridge Baptist Church and The Friendly Bench Tonbridge lead said, “We are thrilled to have The Friendly Bench in Trench. Local people are already using it and we have lots of ideas for events and opportunities focussed around the bench to bring people together to re-engage with their community and in turn reduce social isolation and loneliness.”

Lyndsey Young, Founder of The Friendly Bench CIC said, “We are thrilled to bring The Friendly Bench to Tonbridge and to welcome Tonbridge Baptist Church to The Friendly Bench Network. It is wonderful to work with a team of people dedicated to the wellbeing of their community, we are so excited about what activities and events they have planned for The Friendly Bench Tonbridge. We know it will be a place where everyone will be welcomed, supported and positive friendships will be nurtured and grow.

More information about what will be happening at The Friendly BenchⓇ Tonbridge can be found on their social media pages Twitter: @TonBapChurch, Facebook: @TonbridgeBaptistChurch or you can email Emma Lander at: emma.lander@tonbridgebaptist.church