Case Study #2

The Sociable Seating™ project plans to continue the caring legacy by provision of simple signage attached to a bench that is already in existence, thus allowing the project to be easily and inexpensively rolled out nationwide and beyond with no formal volunteer commitment required. Attachment of an easily recognisable Sunflower Sign™ provides the signal to invite people into conversation with a stranger. Sparing just a few minutes to chat in passing or indeed to stay longer if the conversation suits. In going with a thought to give, one usually receives in return. It means that people would have somewhere to go on the spur of the moment in hopes of finding unplanned conversation.  A similar project has been successfully piloted in primary schools to help children find new friends. Why not replicate this idea for the older generations at a time where they too may be lacking confidence to make new friendships.

The gift of friendship can bring as great a reward to the individual giving as it does to the recipient. Another advantage is that neither person will know if the other individual sitting there is the one lonely or the one going with the intent of offering some friendly conversation. This naturally takes away the stigma that some lonely people worry about. In giving a few minutes of companionship one will always receive something of value in return. I can remember times when I have exchanged pleasantries with someone in passing, learning something about their lives, or mine, and coming away with a sense of warmth and raised spirits. Even a negative experience can evoke some humour if one choses to see it that way! It does normally take an invitation to initiate that conversation. The Sunflower Sign would provide the reassurance required to approach a Sociable Seating area, encouraging the opportunity to interact with other people. Dogs are great at breaking that social barrier down but we don’t all have that prop. Haven’t we all found ourselves sitting in waiting rooms staring at the ceiling as we are unsure if conversation would be welcomed or avoiding sitting on the bench where someone is already seated in case we might be violating their quiet space? Wouldn’t it be good to know when conversation is welcomed? I have piloted the idea a few times myself and always found the conversation welcomed.