A SCHEME to tackle loneliness and social isolation – all achieved by simply having a nice sit down – is coming to Chester.

'The Friendly Bench' was launched in March 2018 by Lyndsey Young to tackle community disconnectedness by using an innovative social space.

The Friendly Bench is a safe and easy accessible mini community garden and seating with organic sensory plantation.

It helps people to meet, connect, chat, build a friendship with each other. They have active social hubs where they have free events to encourage everyone to participate in it.

The bench area is specially designed and built following Disability Discrimination Act guidelines, and now it is coming to the Countess of Chester Country Park.

Morag Scargill, of the Friends of the Countess of Chester Country Park, said: "Having a Friendly Bench at the hub area of the Countess of Chester Country Park will provide a unique opportunity to create a sense of community and well-being.

"We look forward to seeing this happening daily as well as more organised events."

The benefits of The Friendly Bench include increased social interaction, improved well-being and self-esteem, improved physical and mental health, reduced loneliness and social isolation, increased community resilience, increased connection with nature, increased connection with local services.

Lyndsey Young, founder of The Friendly Bench CIC, said: “I created The Friendly Bench after suffering from loneliness and social isolation myself.

"Bringing together my design knowledge and experience of working on nature and wellbeing projects, The Friendly Bench was born.

"Being closer to nature, active social spaces and bringing people together is what it’s all about – with the community at its core.

"By creating a free to use ‘outdoor living room’ in the heart of the community, it means it’s accessible and inclusive for everyone.”