Scheme creates space for outdoor socialising
A Tonbridge neighbourhood has taken delivery of Kent’s first ‘Friendly Bench’ to encourage outdoor social meet-ups and to strengthen local connections.
The solid hardwood structure next to Tonbridge Baptist Church in Darenth Avenue seats up to 12 people and features an inbuilt mini community garden, stocked with plants and flowers. It’s the latest addition to the national Friendly Bench scheme which creates spaces for people to meet, chat and connect with nature.
The Mayor of Tonbridge and Malling, Cllr Sue Bell, was joined on 6 October by pupils from Long Mead Primary School and residents of the Tonbridge Baptist Church day centre to officially declare the bench open.
The project was funded by Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council as part of the Community Parks Scheme. Other projects in the scheme include a pirate ship play area, gazebo and seating area in Chapman Way, East Malling and cycle themed benches and picnic tables soon to be installed at the new pump track at Snodland Community Centre in Paddlesworth Road.
Founder and CEO of The Friendly Bench scheme, Lyndsey Young said: ‘We are thrilled to be bringing The Friendly Bench to Tonbridge, which is sure to play a vital role in reconnecting people back to their community and tackling loneliness and social isolation which is experienced by so many. By creating a welcoming, inclusive, accessible and well-located social space to meet, chat, rest and enjoy the benefits of being outside, we believe the Friendly Bench will make a real difference to the lives of local people.’
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 bench which will provide a safe space for people to meet up outside throughout the seasons.’
Tonbridge Baptist Church will lead the Friendly Bench events and activities with collaboration from other community groups.
Community Engagement Worker for Tonbridge Baptist Church, Emma Lander, said: ‘We are thrilled to have a 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.’