Finland Revamps Iconic 'Solo Bench' Park for Social Gatherings After Meme Goes Viral

The innovative approach of Helsinki, Finland, to address personal space and social connection has captured global attention, especially through its unique park benches – which are only made for one person. Originally introduced to curtail disorderly behaviour, these single-person benches in Helsinki have been humorously hailed as the "introvert's dream" on social media, aligning with Finland's reputation for introversion.

However, this narrative took a poignant turn on Finland’s Independence Day, December 6th, as HelsinkiMissio, a venerable Finnish NGO with over 140 years of combating loneliness, introduced "buddy benches" in the very park where the ‘solo seating’ had previously grabbed global attention. These newly added benches bear a heartfelt invitation: "Would you sit with me for a moment?” This initiative underscores a vital social message: while solitude is a choice for many, for others it's the only option.

Hanna Falk, the volunteer program manager of HelsinkiMissio, explains the motive behind this initiative. In celebrating their anniversary and their deserving volunteer workers, HelsinkiMissio aims to showcase Finland's communal spirit. By placing buddy benches in the Pikkuparlamentti Park, they create spaces where strangers can meet and forge connections akin to friendships.

This initiative addresses a prevalent issue in Finnish society, where people are often perceived as melancholic and reserved, typically shying away from engaging with strangers. Despite a cultural penchant for self-irony and playing with these stereotypes, the reality of involuntary solitude is stark. Research indicates that loneliness afflicts one in three Finns.

Hanna emphasises the collective responsibility to alleviate loneliness, which impacts both mental and physical health. She suggests that simple, everyday interactions and volunteer work can significantly reduce loneliness for both the volunteer and the recipient.

The issue of loneliness extends far beyond Finland's borders, emerging as a global epidemic with severe implications. Studies equate the health risks of chronic loneliness to smoking 15 cigarettes a day, with a 26% increased risk of mortality. This issue is particularly acute among the elderly and is increasingly affecting younger demographics, including schoolchildren and students.

Recognising the gravity of this situation, the World Health Organization (WHO) has identified loneliness as a global health threat. Countries such as the UK and Japan have even appointed specific ministers to tackle this issue.

In response, HelsinkiMissio is advocating for a national strategy to combat loneliness in Finland. They aim to incorporate loneliness impact assessments into decision-making processes and highlight the importance of volunteer work in mitigating this societal issue.

As a politically and religiously independent social organisation, HelsinkiMissio's core mission is to reduce loneliness and enhance well-being across Finland. Their ultimate goal is a society where no one has to face loneliness alone.

The buddy bench initiative was supported by an integrated campaign that carried its message through the capital's billboards, the nation's leading newspaper, and social media.