Be Connected: Chatty Benches

Bringing people together through conversation

Chatty Bench signs have been installed in various locations across the borough in a bid to combat loneliness and isolation. For those who are feeling lonely, or needing to talk, Chatty Benches are a great way of encouraging people to connect with others.

The new pilot led by the Community Neighbourhood Link Workers is part of the Be Connected programme that aims to keep communities connected and encourages opportunities for meaningful conversations.

What are Chatty Benches?

Chatty Benches are a simple idea where existing or newly installed benches have a sign on them that shows by sitting on them, a person is happy to chat with whoever comes and sits next to them.

What do they look like?

Chatty Benches have the above A5 plaque - some benches have also been painted yellow to stand out from other community benches.

Where are they?

Kingsford Square (open 24 hours)

1 Kingsford Way, Beckton, E6 5JQ (located outside Beckton Globe Library)

Central Park (open dawn to dusk)

High Street South East Ham, E6 6ET (Bench located near the Central Park Café)

Chargeable Lane (open Mon-Fri 9:00-17:00)

The Resource Centre, 200 Chargeable Lane Plaistow, E13 8DW Located in the garden grounds (open to all residents)

Tel: 020 8430 2000

Forest Gate Community Garden (open Fridays 10:00-17:00, Saturdays 10:00-15:00 and Sundays 10:00-midday)

136 Earlham Grove, Forest Gate, E7 9AR

Tel: 07811 346722

Forest Lane Park (open dawn to dusk)

Magpie Close Forest Lane, Forest Gate, E7 9DF

Memorial Recreation Ground (open dawn to dusk)

Memorial Avenue Stratford E13 0HQ

Plaistow Library Parklet (24 hours)

North Street (outside Plaistow Library) Plaistow, E13 9HN

The Up Garden (Daily 9am to sunset or 6pm or whichever is earlier)

1-5, Eric Close laundry yard Forest Gate, E7 0AY (Entrance is between 1-4 and 5-10 Eric Close).