Chalk Farm artist calls for more ‘happy to talk’ benches

Oliver Chan, who lives in Chalk Farm, approached Camden Council’s park managers for help in July 2022, as many pubs and meeting places were under threat after two years of Covid lockdowns.

There are now ‘happy to talk’ benches in Belsize Village, in Chalcot Square, Primrose Hill, near Talacre recreation ground in Kentish Town, and in Camden Square.

But Mr Chan hopes more will follow.

He said: “My main concern and why I started this is because lockdown happened I had a big fear of places closing down, especially pubs, galleries, shops and restaurants – and that can create loneliness more.”

Oliver Chan held a small launch party for the ‘happy to talk’ bench in Chalcot Square (Image: Caroline Chan)

The benches have notices or signs inviting people to talk to each other. One in Chalcot Square and Belsize Village has a placard that reads ‘say hi if you’re passing by or sitting down’.

But Mr Chan admits he often has to break the ice. He added: “When I go I usually I have to go down myself and say hi, they don’t usually come to me. I don’t think people are aware it’s a talking bench.

“I feel there’s not enough awareness of loneliness, more work needs to be done.”

Catherine Kelly, member of craft group Belsize Creates on a ‘happy to talk’ bench the group decorated in Chalcot Square (Image: Caroline Chan)

His mother Caroline Chan, who leads craft group Belsize Creates, said: “The council are missing out on a great opportunity. The bench has to be looking like it’s for a chat. Just a bench sitting on its own with a little plastic notice isn’t enough. 

“They should have a semicircular bench, something with a big visibility so that people get to know you can come for a chat.

Belsize Creates group made colourful decorations for the ‘happy to talk’ benches (Image: Caroline Chan)

“I’ve seen examples of these and they really are amazing, they look like something people want to go and sit on and have a chat, but if it’s just got room for two people, it’s just a bit awkward.

“If people say it costs a lot of money, I don’t care, because we can fundraise for these things. I just think we can all work together in collaboration.”

Oliver Chan with Clare James on one of his ‘happy to talk’ benches (Image: Oliver Chan)

A Camden Council spokesperson said: “Connecting with others in the community is an important way to tackle loneliness and boost wellbeing.

“This initiative encourages people to socialise in our open spaces and we hope to work with community groups to organise events around these bench locations where more people are encouraged to join and connect.”

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