A leading furniture retailer is gifting 40 free Friendship Benches to non-profit organisations across North Yorkshire to help combat loneliness. Lazy Susan Furniture is inviting schools, hospitals, hospices, and registered charities to apply for the cast-aluminium seats as part of a mission to encourage community conversation.
The initiative marks a significant expansion of the company’s “Do Some Good” campaign, which has donated more than £588,000 to various causes over the last decade. By providing dedicated spots for people to sit and talk, the project aims to create welcoming outdoor spaces where new relationships can flourish across the county.
This regional donation is part of a larger national pledge by the company to give away 400 metal garden benches across the UK throughout 2026. The benches are designed to be durable and maintenance-free, making them a long-term addition to communal gardens and public areas.
Michael Scott, founder of Lazy Susan Furniture, said: “I firmly believe in the power of community, the joy of being outside and the simple act of human connection. These Friendship Benches are more than just outdoor seating; they are places for people to pause, relax and perhaps strike up a conversation with someone they have never spoken to before.”
He commented: “We are incredibly proud to support North Yorkshire organisations in creating these vital spaces where friendships can flourish and communities can strengthen.”
Eligible organisations can apply for a bench through the company’s website. To qualify, applicants must be a registered not-for-profit operating within the region and be able to provide a dedicated space for the installation.
How To Apply: Friendship Bench Scheme
If you work for a local charity or school and would like to claim one of the 40 available benches, here are the key details:
- Who can apply: Schools, hospitals, hospices, and registered charities in North Yorkshire.
- What you get: A free two-seater cast-aluminium garden bench.
- The goal: To reduce loneliness and provide a space for community connection.
- Where to apply: Visit the Lazy Susan Furniture website.
