Loneliness Awareness Week - chat bench in Laugardalur

Ritstjórn
Steinunn Ása Þorvaldsdóttir, Human Rights Office employee and media personality, at the chat bench

A chat bench has been installed in Laugardalur to mark Loneliness Awareness Week, which is now underway. Steinunn Ása Þorvaldsdóttir, an employee at Reykjavík City's human rights office, welcomes the initiative, saying disabled people, like everyone else, face the risk of isolation.

An awareness campaign to combat loneliness and isolation

Currently underway, Loneliness Awareness Week is a campaign by the National Council of Women of Iceland to combat loneliness and social isolation. Chat benches exist around the world. They're meant to encourage social interaction and reduce loneliness. They're clearly marked to show that anyone sitting there is open to conversation. Chat benches create a welcoming space where strangers can connect with each other. These benches aim to build community spirit and reduce loneliness and social isolation by encouraging casual conversations.

Reykjavík City employees install the chat bench.
Starfsmenn Reykjavíkurborgar koma Spjallbekknum góða fyrir fyrir framan innganginn í Grasagarð Reykjavíkur.

How do chat benches work?

  • The benches have special markings that show anyone sitting there wants to chat.
  • Chat benches are placed in public spaces like public parks, along trails, and in shopping and community centers, making them easily accessible.
  • The markings encourage people to start conversations, which builds connections and community spirit. They're designed to be accessible to everyone, regardless of age or situation, offering a low-barrier way for people to connect.

Breaking free from loneliness

Steinunn Ása Þorvaldsdóttir, from Reykjavík City's Human Rights Office, was present yesterday when the chat bench was installed at the entrance to the Botanic Garden. Steinunn Ása welcomes Loneliness Awareness Week, stressing that anyone can experience loneliness and encouraging everyone to use the new bench.

Colleagues Guðný Bára Jónsdóttir and Steinunn Ása Þorvaldsdóttir have a conversation on the chat bench.
Samstarfskonurnar Guðný Bára Jónsdóttir og Steinunn Ása Þorvaldsdóttir ræða saman á spjallbekknum.

"Disabled people, just like everyone else, are at a high risk of becoming lonely. Even when we're surrounded by people, we can still feel lonely. We want our children, our families, and our friends to be happy and well. Loneliness is common, and we must remember not to be afraid to step out of it. There is a lot we can do, and it's crucial to raise awareness about the available support. This bench is a place to sit down, put away the phone for a while, look up and talk with each other. This week I encourage people to call friends, meet up with people, go swimming, visit a café and look for culture - it's everywhere around us. Let's have a conversation—it's refreshing and uplifting," Steinunn Ása says cheerfully.

The awareness campaign will feature various events, including activities at Reykjavík City libraries.