Police create 'Happy to Chat' benches to combat loneliness and crimes against elderly

‘Chat benches’ have been created by police in Somerset to get people in the community talking to each other.

The ‘Happy to Chat’ benches have a simple sign placed on them by Avon and Somerset Police which reads ‘Sit here if you don’t mind someone stopping to say hello’.

Avon and Somerset Police said the chat benches in Vivary Park in Taunton and Burnham-On-Sea’s seafront, will help tackle loneliness and isolation in the community.

Some 17 per cent of older people are in contact with family, friends and neighbours less than once a week.

Avon and Somerset Police has stated 'this isolation can leave people more vulnerable' but if more people stop to say hello to an elderly stranger ‘it can reduce the likelihood of them being victims of crime.’

The police force said ‘a growing number of criminals’ seek to take advantage of older people in the community and exploit the frailty that comes with older age to steal from and deceive them. Older people can be more vulnerable to cons and fraud, doorstep crime, distraction burglary and online/telephone scams.

Reconnecting with locals in the real world

With some people struggling with their mental health, loneliness, abuse or any other issues, the police say people may not always have someone to listen when they need it.

Local Police Community Support Officer Tracey Grobbeler said the sign is “used to encourage those using the bench to have a chat with each other– it’s as simple as that! The sign simply helps to break down the invisible, social barriers that exists between strangers who find themselves sharing a common place."

Police message: 'Stop and say hello'

“Simply stopping to say ‘hello’ to someone at the Chat Bench could make a huge difference to the vulnerable people in our communities and help to make life a little better for them.”

Public benches can help improve people’s mental health and social wellbeing as they serve as resting places for those with limited mobility and also combat loneliness and isolation, according to research.

A study published by the University of Sheffield in 2015, found sitting on benches allows people to spend longer outside, which is beneficial for mental health and connects them with others in their community. This is particularly important for people who find popular social venues like cafes too expensive.

According to the United Nations, virtually all countries are expected to see "substantial growth" in the number of older persons up to 2030 and "the amount of elder abuse can be expected to grow with it" but it remains "one of the least investigated types of violence in national surveys".

The United Nations said one in six older people experience some form of abuse.

"Any form of abuse is completely unacceptable and it fills me with sadness to think that this cruelty happens to members of our elderly community," said Avon and Somerset Police Commissioner Sue Mountstevens.

"The Chat Bench is a fantastic new initiative that I hope encourages those of all ages to start many more conversations in the future," the police commissioner said.

"If you think an elderly friend, neighbour or relative is vulnerable or at risk of loneliness, I encourage you to stop by and say 'hello.' It really could make a huge difference to that person."

Five tips that start with 'Hello'

The Avon and Somerset Police have come up with five top tips to combat loneliness in society.

1. Smile and chat to your neighbour

2. Help with an event at your child’s school

3. Don’t just pack your food shopping in silence, chat to the cashier

4. Join an event in your community

5. Look up from your phone