To raise awareness of loneliness, and help its customers and colleagues to find support through making social connections, TransPennine Express (TPE) is supporting the work of the Campaign to End Loneliness, to connect people and places through its train services.

To help in its campaign, TransPennine Express in partnership with the Campaign to End Loneliness has placed “chatty benches” at its managed stations for anyone who wishes to have a conversation or say hello to a fellow customer.

It is thought that nearly half of Brits admit to feeling lonely, and that figure is set to rise over the festive period. The “chatty benches” can help to alleviate that loneliness. They are clearly signposted and customers are asked to be on the lookout for those who are sitting on the chatty benches this Christmas.

Customers and colleagues were recently invited by TransPennine Express to sit on one of their chatty benches at Huddersfield railway station. They were encouraged to open up and tell the stories that changed the course of their lives.

One of those who told his story was Ian Watson, a TPE Train Driver, who features in a poignant video released by the train operator. Ian said: “Our chatty benches are a great idea because you never know the difference that one chat might make. It might be that the person that chats to them on that bench is the only person they are able to talk to. The difference that one conversation could make could be life-changing, it could be lifesaving.”

The video, Stories from a Chatty Bench, highlights how you never know who you might be sitting next to, what their story is, and whether they are in need of someone to talk to.

Other rail users and TPE colleagues took part in the storytelling, including CEL ambassador Claire Jenkins, who said:

“At a real low point in my life a stranger reached out to me, and it was a small moment of kindness and human interaction that fundamentally changed my life.

“This is why the chatty benches are so important, because you could provide that moment of light for somebody else.”

Kathryn O’Brien, Customer Service and Operations Director for TransPennine Express explains: “Millions of people pass through our stations every year, everyone with their own stories. Many of these will be experiencing feelings of loneliness, particularly over the festive period, which is something that the Campaign to End Loneliness has highlighted over the past few years, and our benches are available for those who may be in need of a friendly chat.

“We feel it’s really important that those travelling with us are on the lookout for anyone using the benches over Christmas, keeping an eye out for anyone who may really appreciate a quick hello or a chat. Christmas can be one of the loneliest times of year and your conversation may just change their life.”

Robin Hewings, Programme Director of the Campaign to End Loneliness said: “Chatty benches remind us that it’s important to make the effort and see how someone’s day is going. These small moments of connection can really make our day – and for some of us it can be sorely needed.

“These benches will help move our country towards being a place where it is okay to talk about loneliness and where we help each other to feel secure and connected in the world around us.”