“Happy To Chat” Benches Launched to Tackle Loneliness in Bassetlaw
Muslim Charity and Bassetlaw District Council are excited to announce the installation of nine ‘Happy to Chat’ benches across Bassetlaw to address the growing concern of loneliness among residents in the district. ADDRESSING THE ISSUE OF LONELINESS According to census data, around 24% of adults in Bassetlaw have reported that they feel lonely with a further 7.6% reporting that they often or always feel lonely. Recognising these concerns, Muslim Charity and Bassetlaw District Council has identified the need for community spaces that encourage social interaction. Bassetlaw has also seen an increase in its elderly population, with 22.33% of its residents aged 65 and over, compared to the England average of 19.43%. This ageing population can also be a contributing factor to loneliness statistics in our district. ‘HAPPY TO CHAT’ BENCHES – A JOINT INITIATIVE In partnership with Bassetlaw District Council, Muslim Charity has funded nine ‘Happy to Chat’...