The Friendly Bench UP032
![](https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/b23daf12e58ddd238d31b767b35e139345cd2e5f843250d21c3b38ecbeda81d1/Friendly-Bench.jpg)
The Friendly Bench, a social organization in the UK, uses its large bench and activities to build stronger communities and fight social isolation across the country.
This U-shaped bench, designed to snugly seat people together — and not six feet apart — was clearly not built with a pandemic in mind. In the wake of COVID, The Friendly Bench has pivoted to virtual events such as a “virtual tea” with the UK Minister for Loneliness, Diana Baron, and socially-distant picnics (with each member receiving a picnic delivery to their home).
How can you balance consumers’ competing needs for social distancing and social interaction? Is there also a way you can help residents in your own locale maintain a sense of community?
This U-shaped bench, designed to snugly seat people together — and not six feet apart — was clearly not built with a pandemic in mind. In the wake of COVID, The Friendly Bench has pivoted to virtual events such as a “virtual tea” with the UK Minister for Loneliness, Diana Baron, and socially-distant picnics (with each member receiving a picnic delivery to their home).
How can you balance consumers’ competing needs for social distancing and social interaction? Is there also a way you can help residents in your own locale maintain a sense of community?
![](https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/989cae3ee8d1dee200d6ebab0131d438e634ad2fca16985345dabb7a5fb178b6/thumbnail_IMG_2841-1.jpg)
![](https://freight.cargo.site/t/original/i/1d25536e4d18b019ba7fbaffef4953ba70ee051f779076b6ab055022e73ff8d0/EfZGQEHXoAEHywQ.jpg)