Mid and East Antrim welcomes eight more Chatty Benches!
Friday 29 August 2025
Mid and East Antrim’s Loneliness Network is delighted to launch eight more ‘Chatty Benches’ across the Borough.
The benches have been donated and re-purposed due to the ongoing redevelopment of Carnfunnock Country Park.
Located across Mid and East Antrim, the recycled benches have been introduced to provide a place for people to come together to have a chat. The new benches are located at:
- Ferris Park, Larne
- Galgorm, Ballymena
- Larne Library
- Mariners Court, Clanmill Housing, Carrickfergus
- Coast Road, Ballygally
- St Cedmas Church, Larne
- Scotch Quarter, Woven Housing Association, Carrickfergus
- Abbeyfield and Wesley supported living scheme in Greenisland
Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford said: “I am delighted to see eight more benches established in the Borough and hope they brighten up someone's day.”
“The ‘Chatty Benches’ initiative is one of many that aims to engage people in activities to minimise their sense of isolation.
“The ethos behind it is to encourage anyone who wants to engage in conversation with someone to sit down on a bench and just have a chat. There is also a plaque on the bench with a unique QR code on it, which residents can scan to access information on the Loneliness Network.”
Sabrina Lynn from the Northern Health and Social Care Trust, adds:
“In recent years, more local people are experiencing loneliness and isolation. ‘Chatty Benches’ are a great way to break down that social barrier as they encourage us all to say hello and have a chat.”
Mid and East Antrim Loneliness Network Chairperson Marjorie Hawkins said:
“The benches are designed to help tackle loneliness and support positive mental health within the community. We now have twenty-six across the Borough.
We hope these eight new ‘Chatty Benches’ will be seen as places for people to come together to chat and connect.”