Say Hello benches in Dudley borough
People can drop by and ‘say hello’ at 15 spots around the borough during Loneliness Awareness Week (Monday 10 to Sunday 16 June).
During the week benches across Dudley borough will be ‘adopted’ for fun and conversation. In addition, there are also six activities run by Just Straight Talk which will be focusing on loneliness awareness..
Simply drop by for a chat, advice or to take part in an activity at one of the benches decorated and staffed by a local community group.
The ‘Say Hello’ benches were inspired by the work of comedian John Bishop, who launched the “Say Hello” campaign in 2021 as part of Month of Community. The campaign aims to combat loneliness and encourage people to just say hello to each other.
Following the success of the borough benches in 2022 and 2023, more places and activities have been added.
Benches will be located in:
- Brierley Hill town centre
- Silver Jubilee Park, Coseley
- Dudley High Street
- Grange Park, Dudley
- DY1 Community Centre, Dudley
- Abbey Street Park, Gornal
- Hagley Street, Halesowen
- Long Lane Library, Halesowen
- Jasmine Road Community Gardens, Dudley
- Dell Stadium
- Stevens Park, Quarry Bank
- Russells Hall Park
- Vicar Street Gardens, Sedgley
- Dudley Street, Sedgley
- Wollescote Park Sensory Garden
Activities and times vary between benches, but include a choir, gardening activities, book swaps, exercise sessions, crafts, sight awareness activities, local information and support.
Mayada Abuaffan, Director of Public Health & Wellbeing, said:
“The ‘Say Hello Benches’ project continues to grow in strength and ambition each year. We’re really grateful to the community groups who have adopted these benches for the week and their thoughtfulness and generosity of spirit in taking part.
“I hope that our residents make the most of this week and drop by their local ‘Say Hello’ bench for a friendly natter and shared sense of community.”
For details on what is happening where, go to the Dudley Public Health website - https://healthydudley.co.uk/say-hello-benches/
The organising groups taking part include:
- Adult Community Learning and Top Church Training
- Just Straight Talk
- Dudley CVS
- Friends of Grange Park and Grange Park Active
- Rethink Dudley Sanctuary Hub
- Friends of Abbey Street Park and Park Active
- Jasmine Road Community Gardens
- High Oak Youth & Community Centre
- Mindful Moms Hub
- Friends of Russells Hall Park
- Sedgley Evening Townswomen’s Guild
- Beacon Centre
- Friends of Wollescote Park
- Friends of Long Lane Library
Find information on Loneliness Awareness Week. https://www.lonelinessawarenessweek.org/