Residents can stop off for a chat and some company at benches around Dudley borough during Loneliness Awareness Week in June.

From Monday 9 June to Sunday 15 June, 13 benches across the borough will be adopted and decorated by local community groups to raise awareness of loneliness as part of a nationwide campaign. 

People are welcome to simply drop by for a chat, get advice, or take part in activities such as chess, gardening and walking tennis. The ‘Say Hello’ benches were inspired by the work of comedian John Bishop, who launched the Say Hello campaign in 2021 as part of the Month of Community initiative. 

The campaign aims to combat loneliness, strengthen communities, and encourage people to just say hello to each other. 

Councillor Andrea Goddard, cabinet member for adult social care and public health, said: "We’ve been part of the Say Hello campaign for the past four years, helping to connect people across the borough and raising awareness of the mental and physical health impacts of loneliness. People of all ages can feel lonely, and these benches are here to help them to connect.

"We’re extremely grateful to the community groups for getting involved, adopting the benches, and giving people the opportunity to see a friendly face." 

John Bishop, comedian and founder of the Say Hello initiative, said: "It’s brilliant to see that Dudley Council is once again encouraging people to say hello to each other with their friendly bench initiative. 

"Making that first connection with someone can lead to amazing things, from new friendships and shared ideas to people helping out neighbours who might need it. Thanks to Dudley’s friendly benches, saying hello is easier than ever - I’m sure this fantastic project will inspire the whole community to have a seat, enjoy a natter and get to know someone new!" 

Benches will be located in: 

• Abbey Street Park, Gornal Market Place, Dudley 
• Dudley Street, Sedgley 
• Foster Street, Stourbridge 
• Gornal Library, Gornal 
• Grange Park, Dudley 
• Hagley Street, Halesowen 
• High Street, Brierley Hill 
• Long Lane Library, Halesowen 
• Silver Jubilee Park, Coseley 
• Stevens Park, Quarry Bank 
• The Dell Stadium, Brierley Hill 
• Vicar Street Gardens, Sedgley 

For more details on the Say Hello benches and a full timetable, visit the Healthy Dudley website.