The initiative of the senior citizens' advisory board aims to promote exchange and interaction
The town of Griesheim recently installed its first official "chat bench " – located in the local cemetery. The bench can be found by taking the first path on the left from the parking lot. It stands clearly visible in the third row, marked with a sign: anyone sitting here signals their openness to conversation – about grief, memories, or life in general.
The initiative was launched by the Griesheim Senior Citizens' Advisory Board and implemented by the city administration and the municipal works department. "The idea was quickly realized," the board is pleased to report. "The cemetery is a place of remembrance and tranquility, but also a place where people seek encounters and exchange. The 'chat bench' is intended to foster this exchange."
Talking helps – not just in times of grief
The concept of the "chat bench" was launched in Great Britain in 2018. Developed by police officer Ashley Jones in the town of Burnham-on-Sea, the idea quickly spread across Europe. Its aim is to reduce social isolation and encourage spontaneous conversations in public spaces – across generations and without obligation.
Sitting on a "chat bench" signals a willingness to talk – a simple concept with a big impact. The bench in the Griesheim cemetery is the first of its kind in the city and is not intended to be a one-off. The senior citizens' advisory board is planning further locations.
Contact and further information
contact the Senior Citizens' Advisory Board via email at seniorenbeirat@griesheim.de or directly through the city's Senior Citizens' Office . The contact Stefanie Ondruch , the city's Senior Citizens' Representative.
Further information about the Senior Citizens' Advisory Board and planned projects can be found on the city's website:
👉 www.griesheim.de
(GRIESHEIM – RED/PSG)
Featured image: A bench for chatting. Photo: City of Griesheim
