North East Lincolnshire Council and its regeneration partner, ENGIE, are teaming up with 88-year-old Kenneth Lee to set up Happy To Chat benches.
The benches, which caught the eye of social media followers across the region, are the brainchild of Mr Lee, who felt that people in the area could benefit from having someone to talk to on tough days.
The first set of benches have been installed at Top Town Market’s seated garden area, the Market Garden, to support Mr Lee in bringing people together across North East Lincolnshire. Following the success of the idea, the council and ENGIE recently approached him about installing benches in the market.
Mr Lee said: “Recently I have struggled severely with my health. Having gone through this experience, I want to let others know who are struggling that there are people out there to talk too. I am very pleased to be working with the Council and ENGIE to get these benches around the area.”
Councillor John Fenty, Deputy Leader and portfolio holder for regeneration, skills and housing at North East Lincolnshire Council, said: “When we heard about Kenneth’s story we were fully supportive of the project and wanted to be involved. Along with our partners at ENGIE, we are keen to do what we can to help people that might be facing daily struggles with mental health.
“I’m really grateful to Kenneth and the hundreds of other passionate members of our area that work hard to improve the lives of others, and I’m thrilled to be able to bring Mr Lee’s fantastic idea into what is very much a modern community market.”
Councillor Ron Shepherd, portfolio holder for safer and stronger communities, added: “The market is not just a friendly shopping experience but also a community hub, which supports the ‘Safe Place’ scheme. This means visitors can access other support givers and advice.
“We are always happy to hear suggestions from the community about how we can make the market even better, and the chat benches are just one example. The benches will be open during normal market hours and welcome anyone simply wanting a chat or looking to reach out and make new friendships.”
Top Town Market is open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 9am until 5pm. For more information about the benches or market trading, email market.hall@nelincs.gov.uk or call (01472) 325836.
Article from NELC.
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