What an excellent idea from Kāpiti Coast District Council: Encouraging chatter that matters:
Chatterbox seats aim to normalise a culture of chat. They help connect communities and strengthen people’s mental health and wellbeing. People are encouraged to sit on the Chatterbox seat if they want to chat to someone, and anyone walking past is encouraged to join them for a chat.
Odd-Egil “Oddzthrash” Auran That seems like a great idea! So much of the public sphere is comprised of individuals preoccupied with their own personal lives. Chatting with strangers isn’t for everyone, but I think it was much more common before.
Miraz Jordan @odd Nice to have a labelled seat where chat with strangers is encouraged. Last week I was brunching alone then ended up chatting with two delightful people who came to sit a the end of the (large) table. It was a superb conversation.
Jean MacDonald This reminds me of the Buddy Bench, which I learned about from @patrickrhone.
Caroline Ann I love this, especially since so many people are struggling with loneliness.
Miraz Jordan @CarolineAnn It looked to me to be a great idea. That seat's been installed in a town not too far from where I live.
Caroline Ann I’ve seen something similar for children’s playgrounds for recess at school where kids can sit on a certain bench if they want to find someone to play with. I love a grown up version for chatting
Miraz Jordan @CarolineAnn An excellent idea for kids — so long as it doesn't turn into 'bully the sad loser' of course… (I watch TV shows…)