Getting the Kidderminster community talking!

A ‘Happy to Chat’ bench has recently been installed at Kidderminster Hospital and Treatment Centre, inspired by the national ‘Happy to Chat’ initiative, thanks to the collaboration of local resident Heather Prangley, Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Charity and Kidderminster Specsavers Manufacturing and Distribution Team.

Heather led the plans for the installation of the bench offering a space for companionship in conjunction with Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Charity and Kidderminster Specsavers Manufacturing and Distribution Team, who kindly sponsored the bench.

The bench which is situated outside of the Minor Injuries Unit provides a welcoming space for the community offering a moment for respite and of course a space to chat. The bench is positioned in the hospital grounds as a space for everyone to use, be it hospital staff, patients or visitors.

Heather Prangley, holder of the British Citizen Award for her community work says “It is very generous of Kidderminster Specsavers Manufacturing and Distribution Team to support this initiative by sponsoring the bench. I am championing the ‘Happy to Chat’ bench initiative across Kidderminster, the aim of a designated ‘Happy to Chat’ bench is to let the community know that anyone sitting there is happy to start a conversation.  May those who sit on this new bench make a connection which helps their mental well-being and may it also foster community interactions”.

Rachel Baldwin, Operations Manager for Specsavers Kidderminster Distributions Site says “Kidderminster Specsavers Manufacturing and Distribution Team is committed to supporting the local community and we are proud to provide this ‘Happy to Chat’ bench to Kidderminster Hospital and Treatment Centre, creating a welcoming space where patients, visitors, and staff can pause, connect, and remind each other that they’re not alone. Mental health matters, and sometimes, a simple conversation can make all the difference. Don’t sit in silence.”

Sue Hayes, Hospital Engagement Officer for Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Charity says “It was a privilege to work alongside Heather and Kidderminster Specsavers Manufacturing and Distribution Team who sponsored the ‘Happy to Chat’ bench. As a charity we understand the benefits of ensuring spaces are available for our patients, communities, staff and visitors to have room for rest, reflection and connection. We hope that a ‘Happy to Chat’ bench within our hospital grounds will help the surrounding community to feel further connected to their local hospital and each other.”