A new 'chatty bench' has been unveiled to help tackle loneliness in a city community.

Hellesdon Community Centre is now home to a new 'Happy to Chat' bench.

The benches are designed to help reduce loneliness and isolation by encouraging conversations and fostering a sense of belonging among people of all ages. 

On Tuesday, around 30 people including local residents, community leaders, and representatives from various age-friendly organisations gathered at the community centre at a ribbon-cutting event.

Around 30 people gathered for the unveiling of the bench on TuesdayAround 30 people gathered for the unveiling of the bench on Tuesday (Image: Age UK Norwich) Dan Skipper, chief executive of Age UK Norwich, said: "Norwich has a really difficult level of loneliness.

"About 42 per cent of people live alone in Norwich, and in some areas, it can be as high as 65 per cent.

"I hope this bench, and future benches, highlights the Age Friendly City initiative in Norwich".

William Armstrong, Age UK Norwich’s patron, added: "Tackling ageism and assumptions around growing older in Norwich, the Age Friendly Norwich project will look at how infrastructure, services and attitudes can be improved to make the fine City of Norwich more accessible and welcoming to over-50s."

Bill Johnson (Chairman of Hellesdon Council) cutting the ribbon to officially open the 'Happy to Chat' bench.Bill Johnson (Chairman of Hellesdon Council) cutting the ribbon to officially open the 'Happy to Chat' bench (Image: Age UK Norwich) Chatty Benches can usually be found in parks, gardens, and other public spaces, and they have proven to be effective in reducing loneliness and isolation, particularly among older adults.

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This bench was funded by the People Kit, a community-driven initiative that supports local projects and initiatives. The funding allowed Age UK to purchase and install the bench for the Hellesdon community.

The bench can be found at Hellesdon Comunity CentreThe bench can be found at Hellesdon Comunity Centre (Image: Age UK Norwich) The Hellesdon 'Happy to Chat' bench joins several across the county, including in North Norfolk.

Age UK is looking to scatter more benches around the city to help tackle the loneliness in Norwich.

Visit www.ageuk.org.uk/norwich for more information.