The Happy Bench Project 

Calling All Artists! The Happy Bench Is Coming Soon To Iver!

We are launching a loneliness and isolation initiative here in Iver and are looking for your support in bringing it to life, we plan to locate a permanent Mural Chat Bench directly outside of the community hub here on the High Street.

The sad fact is that many people go for days or even months without the simplest human contact, the Chat Bench seeks to break down social barriers and allow us to all say 'hello'. Many older people say they always or often feel lonely and talk to family, friends or neighbours less than once a week. For many more, it is even more scarce than that. Chronic loneliness can impact on memory, mental and physical health and is a major contributing factor behind financial exploitation of the elderly.

As part of our Loneliness & Isolation campaign for 2020 we are also launching another initiative A Stitch In Time here at the Hub, a knitting/crochet knit and natter group to benefit local organisations with Hats For Homeless and Knitted/Crocheted Christmas Tree Decorations to be sold at the Christmas Lights Event in November to raise funds for the seniors coffee morning group. Our hope is that during the summer months that this group will be able to sit outside in the sunshine on the Chat Bench and become happy to chat ambassadors.

Are you a local artist or can you recommend a local artist who might transform the chat bench into a mural to benefit our community?

To discuss this opportunity in more detail please email Lorraine at comms@iverparishcouncil.gov.uk or telephone 01753 655331

#lovetheplaceyoulive