English Heritage Unveils Bonding Benches to Address Parental Isolation
English Heritage, the charity responsible for preserving and managing hundreds of historic sites across England, has launched an innovative initiative aimed at tackling the growing issue of parental isolation. The charity is introducing "bonding benches" at its most famous paid-for locations, including iconic sites like Stonehenge in Wiltshire and Tintagel Castle in Cornwall. This move seeks to revive the traditional role of these historic places as community hubs where people can meet and socialise.
Features of the Bonding Benches
A key feature of these specially designed benches is a sliding notice that visitors can adjust to indicate their social preferences. Parents can set the slider to "up for a chat" if they are open to conversation about the challenges of raising children, or to "craving quiet" if they prefer a moment of peace during their visit. This simple mechanism allows for flexible social interaction, acknowledging that parental needs can vary from day to day.
Emma Fernandes-Lopes, the assistant operations director at English Heritage, emphasised the importance of this initiative. "Modern parenthood can be a really isolating experience," she said. "Many parents live far from extended family and lack a support network, making it challenging to forge friendships with shared values and interests." She noted that families account for over a third of visits to English Heritage sites, making them ideal venues for fostering connections among parents.
Supporting Research and Additional Activities
The charity highlighted research from the National Childbirth Trust (NCT), which reveals that:
- Two-thirds of new parents experience feelings of loneliness or isolation at least some of the time.
- Nearly 90% feel overwhelmed occasionally.
- Almost a quarter report lacking a strong support network.
In addition to the bonding benches, English Heritage is rolling out communal activities tailored for young families. These include NCT volunteer-led sling and buggy walks at selected sites such as Audley End in Essex, Kenwood in north London, Marble Hill in south-west London, Wrest Park in Bedfordshire, and Kenilworth Castle in Warwickshire. These walks aim to provide structured opportunities for parents to meet and share experiences in a supportive environment.
Enhancing Family Visits
To further enrich the visitor experience, English Heritage is offering an "adventurer's checklist of tasks" for families. This checklist encourages interactive exploration with activities like:
- Finding signs of animal life.
- Splashing in puddles.
- Making silly sounds in echoey places.
Fernandes-Lopes, a mother of three, shared her personal insights: "Parenthood can be magical but also tough. We're aware that we can play a role in addressing loneliness and isolation. By installing these benches ahead of the half-term holiday, we hope parents can build connections and friendships that combat loneliness." She added that the benches will be strategically placed in family-friendly areas, such as near playgrounds or open grassland, where parents naturally gather.
Historical Context and Future Goals
Reflecting on the historical significance of English Heritage sites, Fernandes-Lopes remarked: "Castles, stately homes, and stone circles have long served as community hubs where people congregated. We want to tap into that legacy to support modern families." The charity believes that by leveraging its widespread network of sites across England, it can make a meaningful impact in reducing parental isolation and fostering a sense of community among visitors.
