Park benches in Calne could soon be fitted with “conversation buttons” designed to offer a friendly voice to people sitting alone.
UPDATE (12pm): This story was published as an April Fools’ Day joke.
While the story was intended in good humour, we recognise that loneliness is a very real issue affecting many people in our community.
If you or someone you know is feeling isolated, there are local groups and organisations that can offer support.
The scheme, which is being trialled across town, would see small speakers installed in selected benches. At the press of a button, users would hear a short, pre-recorded message aimed at starting a light-hearted conversation.
Wiltshire Council says the idea is part of efforts to tackle loneliness and encourage social interaction, particularly among older residents.
Bea Leafferme, the brains behind the concept, said the messages have been carefully recorded to sound “natural and reassuring”, with phrases such as: “Hello, lovely day isn’t it?”, “Bit chilly for this time of year,” and “They do keep putting the prices up, don’t they?”
Different voice options will be available, with residents able to choose between a range of accents including “local Wiltshire”, “friendly northerner” and “a retired lollipop lady”.
Each bench will also include a “conversation extender” button, allowing users to hear follow-up remarks such as: “Ooh, don’t get me started,” and “You’re absolutely right there.”
A separate “compliment mode” will offer more positive interactions, with phrases including: “That’s a lovely jacket,” and “You’ve got a nice smile,” triggered at random intervals.
The council said the idea had already been trialled elsewhere, including in Bristol, where benches reportedly greeted users with phrases such as: “Alright my lover” and “Your hair looks gert lush today.”
“If someone isn’t ready to speak to another person, this offers a way of easing into it,” Bea added.
Early versions of the benches are expected to include up to ten different messages, with future updates potentially adding seasonal greetings, local news headlines and a “gentle disagreement mode”.
There are also plans to trial a premium version of the bench capable of pausing briefly before responding, to better replicate “realistic listening behaviour”.
Residents are being encouraged to try out the benches when they are installed later this spring, with feedback helping to decide whether the scheme is rolled out more widely across the town.
The council has confirmed the benches will not respond to shouting.
In Calne we are fortunate to have a number of community support groups ready to support those in need. The groups operate on a not for profit basis and offer a non-judgemental support and foster a loving environment.
These groups include:
- Marden Community Hub, 20 Church Street - 07368303616
- The Men's Shed (not just for men) - Groundsman's Building, Calne Rec, Anchor Road who are open to anyone popping Monday - 17.30 - 20.00, Tuesday - 13.00 to 17.00, Thursday - 13.00 to 20.00, Saturday - 14.30 to 17.00
- Fay's Bistro Social Table: Located at 3 Beach Terrace, the bistro hosts a weekly "chatty table" every Wednesday afternoon from 3 pm for anyone looking for conversation.
- Library Shared Reading Groups: Held at Calne Library, these free groups are designed for people to meet and share conversation, suitable for those with memory loss or simply seeking company.
- Golden-Oldies Charity (Goldies): Offers fun, monthly sing-along sessions.
- Kingston Care Home: Welcomes individuals aged 65+ for lunches and activities (contact 01249 815555).
Support Services:
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- Calne & District Link Scheme: Offers voluntary help and transport for residents in the SN11 area.
- Bereavement Help Point: A support group run by Dorothy House for those navigating grief.
- Community Connectors: GP-referred, these coordinators help residents connect with local groups.
- Volunteer Befriender: Available through Marden Court for companionship.
Anyone who needs support to access a group because of mental health can ask their GP to be referred to a Community Connector who will support them alternatively speak to someone at Heart of the Community or Marden Hub who can help with a referral.
Please don't suffer in silence - speak to someone.
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