A SPECIALLY designed three metre bench has been set up in Edinburgh in a bid to combat loneliness during lockdown.
The seat – dubbed the Chatty Bench – is the product of a collaboration between local start-up Sovereign Assist, which is focused on fighting loneliness experienced by retirees, and Colliers, the global commercial property consultancy firm.
Installed outside Orchard Brae House – an office property which is owned by Palm Capital and managed by Colliers – the Chatty Bench is a bespoke three-metre-long bench, able to facilitate social distancing measures.
It is designed to encourage conversation, especially amongst older adults in the community.
The bench also displays information on how to contact Sovereign Assist, which currently provides its members with a free online weekly social club, seven-days-a-week telephone and video access to a GP and counsellor, a wide range of shopping discounts and a concierge helpline service.
Alasdair Manning, from Colliers, said: “We were inspired by Sovereign Assist’s approach of placing benches around the city to help reconnect communities who have been alone for some time, due to the pandemic. We are committed to supporting and adding real value to the communities where our managed buildings are located.
“Orchard Brae House is a fantastic, accessible location and has a welcoming frontage which will make an ideal spot for the first Chatty Bench. We would also like to thank Palm Capital for their assistance and commitment to enhancing the community.”
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