‘Buddy Benches’ ease the loneliness

Campaign aims to combat social isolation by encouraging folks to sit down and chat

The City of Edmonton is inviting residents to take a seat and strike up a conversation — with a complete stranger.

Specially painted “Buddy Benches,” unveiled Tuesday, are designed for people who are feeling lonely. If someone notices a person sitting on a Buddy Bench, they’re encouraged to sit down and start a conversation.

The benches were inspired by a young boy who had a suggestion for his grandmother on how to feel less lonely.

Although Dianne Kuntz said she isn’t lonely or bored now, she felt that way during the first few months of her retirement.

After telling someone she knew that her retirement was lonely, Kuntz was invited to take part in a video about loneliness. Because they were looking to speak with a grandmother, Kuntz’s grandchildren took part in the shoot with her.

On the way out of the shoot, Tommy Kuntz asked his grandmother for more details on why they were making a video.

“I said, ‘Well, it’s for people like me who are lonely and don’t have anyone to talk to,’” she said.

Tommy told her she could benefit from a buddy bench like the one at his school.

Kuntz passed Tommy’s idea along to a connection at the city and on Tuesday, outside the Churchill Seniors Residence in downtown Edmonton, Tommy received a certificate from the city and performed the ribbon-cutting at a launch of Edmonton’s Buddy Benches.

About 15 of the benches will be spread throughout the city as part of the Hello, How Are You? campaign.

Buddy Benches will be located in high-traffic areas as part of a pilot project to connect Edmontonians of all ages to their communities to help prevent social isolation.

Social isolation is a problem cities have been paying close attention to in recent years. Edmonton’s 2016 Citizen Perception survey showed that 44 per cent of Edmontonians don’t feel connected to their community, and this project is seen as one way to help.

More information on the Buddy Bench project, including bench locations, can be found by visiting edmonton.ca/hello.

ED KAISER When Dianne Kuntz told her grandson Tommy she was feeling lonely, he said she could use a Buddy Bench like the one at his school. The city has installed about 15 Buddy Benches at various locations around the city.