Chat bench

Loneliness has increased in many parts of the world since the coronavirus pandemic and has become a widespread social problem. Numerous studies and surveys show that the pandemic has greatly increased the proportion of people who feel lonely. According to a study by the German Psychological Society (2021), there has been a significant increase in loneliness during the pandemic. Loneliness has not only emotional but also health effects. Long-term loneliness can lead to mental health problems such as depression, anxiety and sleep disorders. The immune system can also be weakened, as isolation can lead to stress and a reduced quality of life.

In Bocholt, with the "Gemeinsam in Bocholt" initiative, we would like to work together with many players from the city's society to ensure that the issue of loneliness is brought more into focus and that every Bocholt resident is sensitised to keep their eyes open and do their bit to ensure that nobody in Bocholt has to be lonely.

Loneliness must not be a marginal issue

The idea for the "Gemeinsam in Bocholt" initiative came from the Sehen.Helfen.Handeln e.V. association, which, together with the Senior Citizens' Advisory Council, approached the city council and, together with it, was able to win over many stakeholders in Bocholt's urban society for the topic of loneliness and the "Gemeinsam in Bocholt" initiative. The issue of loneliness not only affects senior citizens, but also children and young people as well as adults of all ages.

The aim is to create good structures for prevention, intervention and networking:

The task is complex: loneliness affects different areas of life and therefore requires a holistic approach that takes equal account of health, social issues, the world of work, voluntary work and other aspects.

The official launch of the initiative will be celebrated on 3 July 2025 at 18:00 in the canteen at Benölkenplatz as part of a public event, which our Minister of Labour, Health and Social Affairs for the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, Karl-Josef Laumann, has also agreed to attend.

The "chatting bench" is the first project to be realised in Bocholt as part of the initiative.

If you are interested in taking a seat as a listener on the chat bench, you can contact the Bocholt senior citizens' office, which will put you in touch with the "Sehen.Helfen.Handeln e.V. association.

After an introductory meeting, you will receive training and can then, in consultation with the team of volunteers, attend individual appointments alone or in pairs on the two benches at the Weberstraße / Schonenberg junction.

If the concept is well received and many volunteer listeners are found, it is also conceivable to set up chatting benches at other locations in the city.