A new space encouraging residents and visitors to Mosman to sit and have a chat in a bid to help combat loneliness and social isolation has been launched in Mosman Square during Mental Health Month.
The Chatty Chair initiative was unveiled by Mosman Mayor Carolyn Corrigan and community members championing the project.
The dedicated bench is signposted to encourage community members to take a seat, have a chat, and meet new people who are sitting there or wish to join a conversation.
It is a joint initiative of Mosman Council, Chatty Café and social enterprise One Another.
National Mental Health Month encourages people to think about mental health and wellbeing, promotes understanding of the importance of good mental health in everyday lives and encourages help-seeking behaviours when needed.
Cr Corrigan said the Chatty Chair was a wonderful initiative to launch during Mental Health Month.
“We are all so aware, with all the research, of the impact that loneliness is having on society and particularly here in Mosman, we have an ageing population, we have people who live alone,” she said.
Community Champion David McCallum said the Chatty Chair also offered another way to enjoy the beautiful place that is Mosman and its people.
“It’s the connection with the place you’re living in,” he said.
