Happy to Chat

We are pleased to announce we now have a Happy To Chat bench in Arlington Square. The idea came from Allison Owen-Jones in Cardiff, who noticed an elderly man sitting alone on a bench in a busy city centre park, ignored by passers-by. Did he want company? Did he want to be alone? Did anyone actually care?

‘There was some of that British reserve that made me think he might think I was weird if I sat next to him,’ said Allison ‘Wouldn’t it be nice if there was a simple way to let people know you’re open to a chat?’ She put a Happy To Chat notice on the bench and the idea is now spreading round the world.

We emailed Arlington Association members to ask what they thought of the idea and received the happiest of referendum results – an overwhelming 100% approval. So feel free to stop for a chat where you see the sign...