Help Seth & buddi bench Replace Loneliness with Connection

Help Seth & buddi bench Replace Loneliness with Connection & Compassion in Your Local Area

Hi, I’m Seth Hunter, Founder & CEO of buddi bench™. My mission is simple: to combat loneliness & inspire compassion within communities. This passion stems from personal experience. At 48, I’ve faced three major challenges—bipolar disorder, trauma, & addiction—all of which left me grappling with isolation & shame. But I discovered a potent remedy for these struggles: connection & compassion. buddi bench is my way of spreading this antidote, offering a cost-effective, meaningful solution to reduce human distress and potentially save lives through simple conversations.

Loneliness: A Growing Epidemic

Loneliness doesn’t discriminate—it affects people of all ages and walks of life. In 2023, the World Health Organization classified loneliness as a 'global public health concern,' equating its health impact to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. While many crave connection, reaching out can feel daunting. buddi bench aims to change this by making conversations accessible, spontaneous, & an organic part of shared spaces.

The Inspiration Behind buddi bench™

Puppies and Schools.

My puppy, May, transformed my life. Dog walking brought unexpected opportunities for brief, meaningful chats with other dog owners. It was like joining an unspoken 'secret society,' where strangers naturally struck up conversations without pressure or judgment. These interactions often revolved around simple topics like the weather, yet they fostered a sense of connection. It highlighted something profound: humans are social creatures, & even brief connections can uplift us.

Similarly, some schools use 'buddy benches' where children can sit when they need companionship or support. This concept encourages others to approach the child, offering help, comfort, or simply company. Inspired by this beautiful idea, I decided to create a version for adults, providing a safe & inviting space to connect.

What Are buddi benches?

buddi benches are thoughtfully designed benches placed in public spaces, such as parks. They feature a discreet logo & a QR code, inviting any adult to sit down and strike up a conversation with someone willing. These benches are not just functional but symbolic, representing a commitment to building stronger, more compassionate communities.

No Pressure, Just Connection: A short chat - as little as 10 minutes - can lift spirits, foster a sense of belonging, & reduce the stigma around talking to strangers.

Breaking Barriers: buddi benches challenge the 'stranger danger' mindset, reminding us that a stranger is often just a neighbour we haven’t met yet.

Through these small but significant moments of interaction, buddi bench creates ripples of empathy & human connection, one conversation at a time.

How Your Donation Helps

By supporting buddi bench, you directly fund the production, installation, & maintenance of these benches. Here’s what your contributions can achieve:

£50: Funds essential marketing materials like leaflets & community outreach initiatives.

£200: Covers a comprehensive marketing package, including a website, social media campaigns, software subscriptions & ads.

£400: Purchases handcrafted steel signage with QR codes, ensuring durability and accessibility.

£1,500: Covers the full cost of designing, installing, and maintaining a bench.

Every contribution, no matter the size, brings us closer to placing more buddi benches in communities where they can make a tangible difference.

Why We Need Your Support

buddi bench is a not-for-profit project fuelled by passion & a deep commitment to reducing human distress. I personally donate my time and expertise at no cost. Every penny raised goes directly into creating & maintaining these spaces for connection. Your support helps build a kinder, more compassionate world.

How You Can Make a Difference

Your donation does more than fund a bench—it creates a legacy of connection, compassion, & community. Here’s how your support can leave a lasting impact:

Sponsor a buddi bench

Leave a Legacy: Dedicate a bench to honour a loved one or celebrate a milestone like a wedding, anniversary, or birthday.

Memorial Bench: Commemorate someone special, offering a peaceful space for reflection & connection.

Support Mental Health & Wellbeing

Combat loneliness & social isolation with a safe, welcoming space for conversations.

Promote community care by encouraging open, meaningful interactions.

Give a Unique Gift

Celebrate milestones with a thoughtful, impactful tribute that lasts for generations.

Your Impact

By donating to buddi bench, you help:

Reduce loneliness & improve mental wellbeing in your community.

Build spaces where people feel seen, heard, & valued.

Inspire kindness, empathy, & connection - one bench, one chat at a time.

Together, we can combat loneliness & foster a world of compassion, creating ripples of change that improve countless lives.

A Personal Note

This project is deeply personal to me. I’ve experienced firsthand the healing power of connection & want to share it with as many people as possible. buddi bench isn’t just about benches - it’s about building a world where people feel supported, valued, & understood. Thank you for helping me make this vision a reality.

Join Us in Building a More Connected World

Your generosity fuels my mission. Together, let’s create spaces that inspire connection & compassion, one bench at a time.

Please donate now to help us raise £6,000 by the end of 2024 to place 3 benches in the UK.

Thank you for your support!

buddi bench website