Antrim and Newtownabbey Loneliness Network is delighted to launch a “Chatty Bench” which is the first of its kind in the Borough. The bench, which is located in the Castle Mall in Antrim, will provide a place for people to come together for a chat.
Antrim and Newtownabbey Loneliness Network brings together the Council and the Northern Health and Social Care Trust, alongside others in the statutory, voluntary and community sectors.
The Network aims to raise awareness of loneliness, share best practice and learning on ways to prevent and address loneliness, and encourage championing of tackling loneliness across the Borough.
Valerie Adams, Chairperson of the Antrim and Newtownabbey Loneliness Network, said:
“As Chair of the Antrim and Newtownabbey Loneliness Network I am delighted that the first Chatty Bench has been launched within the Borough. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the young people from FOCUS who were involved in this initiative, the Castle Mall and Children in Need for providing that all important funding.”
“This has been a collaborative approach which highlights what can be achieved by working together. It is vitally important that we work in this way in order to continue to address the issue of isolation and loneliness across the Antrim and Newtownabbey area.”
Hugh Nelson from the Northern Health and Social Care Trust, added:
“Loneliness can affect anyone from teenagers and young adults, new parents, carers and recently bereaved, to students, older people and those with disabilities. Over the past nine months the Covid-19 restrictions have exacerbated this issue for everyone. This Chatty Bench highlights the continued commitment to reach out to the local community during this difficult time.”
Deputy Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey and member of the Loneliness Network, Councillor Noreen McClelland added:
“A key priority of the Council’s Community Plan is to support the ‘People’ of the Borough to live a positive life. I am delighted to see the first Chatty Bench in place and look forward to supporting the further roll out of this initiative across the Borough.”
The Antrim and Newtownabbey Loneliness Network reminds everyone to be mindful of the Covid-19 guidelines when stopping for a chat.