English Heritage Launches 'Bonding Benches' to Foster Connections Among New Parents in the West Midlands
English Heritage has unveiled a new initiative aimed at combating parental isolation by installing 'bonding benches' at its historic sites across the West Midlands. This half-term, the charity is rolling out these benches to encourage conversations and build community ties among families visiting its properties.
Addressing Parental Loneliness with Innovative Seating
New research from the National Childbirth Trust (NCT) reveals that 62% of new parents experience feelings of loneliness or isolation, while 87% report feeling overwhelmed. Additionally, almost a quarter (23%) lack a strong support network. With families accounting for 35% of all English Heritage visits, the charity is leveraging its over 400 sites nationwide to create informal, supportive environments for parents.
The bonding benches feature sliders that visitors can adjust between 'up for a chat' and 'craving quiet', allowing individuals to signal their openness to conversation based on their mood. Positioned in family-friendly areas such as near playgrounds or open grasslands, these benches aim to help parents take the first step in making new connections while their children play.
Community Activities and Support at Historic Sites
In addition to the benches, English Heritage is launching communal activities tailored for young families. Selected sites will host NCT volunteer-led sling and buggy walks, providing further opportunities for social interaction and support. This initiative underscores the charity's commitment to enhancing wellbeing through accessible, engaging experiences at its historic locations.
West Midlands Sites Featuring Bonding Benches
Several English Heritage properties in the West Midlands near Birmingham are now equipped with these bonding benches, offering unique historical backdrops for family outings:
- Stokesay Castle: Located in Shropshire, this site boasts the best-preserved fortified medieval manor house in England, dating back to the 1280s and 1290s. Visitors can explore its lovely cottage-style walled garden.
- Much Wenlock Priory: Also in Shropshire, this location features impressive 13th-century church remains, with origins as a monastery founded in AD 680 by King Merewalh.
- Shrewsbury Flaxmill and Maltings: A key remnant of the Industrial Revolution, built in 1797, this building is considered the world's first multi-level structure with an internal iron frame, earning it the nickname 'grandparent of skyscrapers'.
- Wroxeter Roman City: Situated in Shropshire, this well-preserved archaeological site offers insights into Roman civilisation from the 1st-2nd century, managed by English Heritage.
By integrating these benches into its historic sites, English Heritage aims to transform visits into meaningful social experiences, helping to alleviate the challenges of parental isolation while celebrating the region's rich heritage.
