GATESVILLE, NC — Gates County Community Partnership (GCCP) recently installed a “Chat Bench,” marking a pivotal step in the community’s ongoing efforts to enhance mental health support and foster community cohesion. This initiative, spearheaded by Gates County Community Partnership and partially funded by the Obici Healthcare Foundation, received the green light from the Gates County Board of Commissioners last year.
The “Chat Bench” initiative responds to the growing need for social connectivity. In a world increasingly defined by digital interactions, chat benches aim to reestablish face-to-face connections. These accessible and welcoming spaces invite individuals to engage in conversation, serving to alleviate feelings of loneliness and encourage societal understanding.
“Our Community Engagement Grant from the Obici Healthcare Foundation helped make this project possible,” said Dr. Chante Jordan, President of GCCP. “We are incredibly thankful for their support. This funding allows us to launch programming that will impact our community by fostering deeper connections and understanding amongst our residents.”
Strategically placed at the Gates County Community Center, this inaugural bench is designed to be a beacon of hope and dialogue within the social hub of the county. Signage encourages passersby to pause, sit, and engage in conversations that might otherwise not occur.
This initiative promises a host of benefits, focusing on three key objectives: enhancing mental well-being through informal interactions, promoting awareness and understanding by providing a venue for open dialogue, and fostering reconciliation and brotherhood by encouraging discussions about differences and commonalities.
Benjamin C. Saunders, Jr., Vice President of GCCP, expressed optimism about the potential impacts of the Chat Bench. “We are excited about this project and hope there will be significant benefits. This initiative has the potential to be a unifying force that fosters love and communal well-being.”
To complement the Chat Bench’s presence, GCCP plans to organize events and themed discussions aimed at raising awareness about mental health issues, promoting cultural exchange, and highlighting stories of community reconciliation. Furthermore, partnerships with local mental health organizations will provide resources for individuals seeking additional support.
Obici’s Community Engagement Grants, which supported this venture, are dedicated to improving the health status of those in Gates County and surrounding areas. They champion projects that address community health needs, enhance physical activity and wellness, and increase public access to essential health resources.