Empty Chairs started with one table, a few empty chairs and a simple idea: nobody should have to feel alone.

Since then, it has grown into a community-led movement, with people hosting Empty Chairs tables across the UK and beyond. Anyone can come along, sit down and have a conversation. There is no sign-up, no cost to attend and no expectation to explain why you are there.

Until now, Empty Chairs has largely been self-funded and powered by volunteers.

As the project has grown, so have the costs of keeping it running safely and sustainably. We now need funding for the less visible things that make hundreds of local events possible - insurance, safeguarding, host resources and training, administration, communications and the systems needed to support a growing network of volunteers and events.

We're raising funds to help cover those costs and give Empty Chairs the foundations it needs for the next stage of its growth.

The dream is that we raise enough support to begin funding a full-time member of the team. Someone who can wake up every day focused on supporting our hosts, strengthening the organisation, raising further funding and helping make sure Empty Chairs is still here for the people who need it in the years ahead.

Every Empty Chairs event will remain free to attend.

Whether you donate £5, £50 or simply share this page, you're helping us put more empty chairs on more tables - and giving more people somewhere to go when they don't want to be alone.

Thank you for supporting Empty Chairs