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The Green Party's 60+ working group wants to create seating areas for social interaction and to combat loneliness
More seating in public spaces – this has been a goal pursued by the Green Party's 60+ for years. The concept of so-called "chat benches" is a particular focus: benches that explicitly invite conversation and exchange, especially for older people. In April, the city council decided that three of the planned benches on Ernst-Ludwigs-Platz will be designated as chat benches.
Creating places to combat loneliness
“We have long advocated for more benches in public spaces. They not only provide a place for relaxation but also promote social interaction,” explains Monika Müller , the Green Party representative on the advocacy group for older people. Especially for single or lonely people, benches designed for conversation can be an easily accessible meeting place.
The concept originated from a 2018 initiative in Great Britain and is now being implemented in numerous cities – for example, in Bensheim , Weinheim , and Frankfurt Darmstadt also already installed its first "Babbelbänke" (chat benches): among other places, in the Lincoln housing estate , at the Bessungen local history museum , and at the community center in the Prinz-Emil-Garten .
The Greens welcome additional locations
Hildegard Förster-Heldmann , spokesperson for the Darmstadt Green Party, emphasizes: "The existing 'chatting benches' have proven their worth. They make an important contribution to the quality of life and social exchange in the neighborhood." The project fits well with the city's philosophy of creating places for everyday encounters.
The working group GRÜNE 60+ announced that it will continue to advocate city center and in the city districts
(DARMSTADT RED/GREENS)
