"This bench is made for listening”

Let us tell you about an exciting project that Bexley Council have been working on in collaboration with the Samaritans.

Social isolation and loneliness are endemic issues in communities, and the impact of this on community health is massive. This project aims to reduce social isolation and create a focal point not only for chatting but also creating connections and bringing people together.

7 benches have been branded in Samaritans green to be instantly recognisable across the borough, featuring a simple message which reads, “ Stop here if you don’t mind someone stopping to say hello”. The signage and branding will encourage lonely people to use the seating and those that feel comfortable to engage in conversation to meet in a safe environment. These benches will also be used to create focal points in the community. We hope that this will lead to the benches becoming a feature and talking point within these spaces.

So if you are feeling lonely, isolated and are struggling to cope, or have time to talk and listen look out for the 7 new listening benches that have been installed across Bexley borough at the following locations.

What 3 Words locations

Franks Park: //penny.took.tall

Craydene: //ramp.rock.soda

Burstead Woods: //drank.wash.rails

Falconwood Park: //closes.shakes.baked

Footscray meadows: //crush.hangs.limit

Lesnes Abbey: 2 within the grounds

It’s good to talk

In 2023 Bexley’s Public Health Team worked in partnership with Mind in Bexley to develop a new approach to supporting men’s mental health. 

With research showing that men are statistically more likely to discuss mental health issues with their barber than with their GP, local barbers were trained to support their customers and spot signs of anxiety and depression and signpost them to sources of support.

Following its success, the Wellbeing Ambassador programme has now expanded to include support for women by involving nail salons, women’s hairdressers and tattoo parlours as well as increasing the number of barbershops.

Local hairdressers, nail bars and tattoo parlours can join the project as Wellbeing Ambassadors.

Find out more on Mind in Bexley

In today’s fast-paced world, taking care of mental health has become more crucial than ever.

One effective and accessible way to improve mental wellbeing is through physical activity. It can help reduce stress, improve sleep, boost self-esteem and reduce isolation. Over the coming months we will be working with a range of partners to develop new opportunities.

Please keep an eye out for opportunities funded by Public Health to get involved with Head in the Game, Charlton Athletic Community Trust and Age UK Bexley.

More information can be found through:

• Head in the Game
• Charlton Athletic Community Trust
• Age UK Bexley
• Our Parks