The Rainbow Bench Project launches in Swindon

Swindon & Wiltshire Pride have launched a vibrant new campaign, with the help of Inswindon, aimed at combatting loneliness and encouraging the people of Wiltshire to open up. The Rainbow Bench Project comes with the addition of a plaque that reads, ‘Sit here if you don't mind someone stopping to say hello’.

Phoenix Stewart, from Swindon & Wiltshire Pride, said: “The Rainbow Bench Project is a place to catch up with a friend, start a conversation and help prevent loneliness. We don't talk to each other enough, so let's make time to stop and say hello, have a chat and make a new friend.” 

According to a recent survey, a 5th of the UK say they are always or sometimes lonely, and the charity want to try and change that.

Phoenix continued, “By launching the Rainbow Bench Project, our aim is to encourage the rest of the county to join us in our campaign, so a rainbow bench could become a recognised sign across our county. Thank you to Valspa paints for the donation of the paint, Andy midwinter and Inswindon for their continued support in delivering the project".

The Rainbow Bench can be found next to the town hall at Regent Circus, in Swindon town centre.