Plaques saying ‘Happy to Chat’ are being added to benches across Torfaen to encourage people to stop, sit down and have a conversation.
The plaques – designed by two primary school pupils in Cwmbran – have already appeared along walking and cycling routes in Cwmbran town centre, Llanyrafon and Croesceiliog.
A competition to design the plaques was held in schools in March. The winners were Charlotte Edwards, from Llanyrafon Primary School, and Zine Khan, from the Federation of Blenheim Road and Coed Eva. Both received an Amazon voucher and a goody bag.
Primary and secondary schools will also receive a plaque to place on a playground bench.
Residents are now being invited to suggest other benches that would benefit from a Happy to Chat plaque, and to consider using the benches themselves to spark everyday conversations. People can nominate a bench through the Get Involved Torfaen website
The plaques have been funded by the council’s Active Travel team, with support from the Communities team, who will visit the benches and be available to chat.
Joel Cantelo, community capacity builder in Cwmbran, said: “It’s worth remembering that around one in six adults in Wales report feeling lonely – but a simple conversation can make a real difference.
“It doesn’t have to be a big gesture – a quick chat, a friendly ‘hello’, or a small moment of connection can help someone feel seen and valued.”
Simon Whiting, centre manager, said: “M Cwmbran is delighted to partner with Torfaen Council in this most wonderful project. With an emphasis on community well-being and talking, we felt compelled to get involved.
“We look forward to lots of meaningful conversations and hope to be able to help our community through something as simple as talking.”