Posted on: Thursday 18 June 2026
This Loneliness Awareness Week, we’re celebrating the volunteers, community organisations and businesses helping people feel connected, supported and less alone, in line with the Torfaen Deal.
Happy to Chat plaques are being added to benches to encourage people to stop and have a conversation.
The plaques - designed by two primary school pupils - have already been added to benches along walking and cycling routes in Cwmbran Shopping, Llanyravon and Croesceiliog. Primary and secondary schools will also be given a plaque to add to playground benches.
Residents are now asked to suggest other locations of benches that would benefit from a Happy to Chat plaque - and to consider using the benches to spark conversations. Click below to nominate a Happy to Chat bench on Get Involved Torfaen.
The Happy to Chat bench plaques have been funded by the council's Active Travel team and will be supported by the Communities team, who will visit the benches and be on hand to chat.
Joel Cantelo, Community Capacity Builder in Cwmbran, said: "“This Loneliness Awareness Week, it’s worth remembering that around one in six adults in Wales report feeling lonely — but a simple conversation can make a real difference.
"It doesn’t have to be a big gesture — a quick chat, a friendly ‘hello’, or a small moment of connection can help someone feel seen and valued. Connection starts with us, and those everyday conversations are often the ones that matter most."
The project is also being supported by businesses and staff at M Shopping, in Cwmbran, who will be using the benches and talking to shoppers.
Simon Whiting, Centre Manager, said: “M Cwmbran is delighted to partner with Torfaen Council in this most wonderful project. With an emphasis on community well-being and talking, we felt compelled to get involved.
"We look forward to lots of meaningful conversations and hope to be able to help our community through something as simple as talking.”
A competition to design the plaques was held in primary and secondary schools in March.
Charlotte Edwards, from Llanyrafon Primary School, and Zine Khan, from the Federation of Blenheim Road and Coed Eva were chosen as the winners and received an Amazon voucher and goody bag.
Nominate a bench: https://getinvolved.torfaen.gov.uk/happy-to-chat-nominate-a-bench