When was the last time you had an honest-to-god conversation with someone? I'm not talking about a text, social media DM, or even just work chat. I mean a real, in-person conversation.

To people having a conversation
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These person to person interactions seem to be dwindling in our current society, and we desperately need to bring them back, or our collective social skills could start to permanently suffer.

Arizona's doing exactly that.

What is a "Friendship Bench"?

Originally developed in Zimbabwe, Friendship Benches are a concept that have been sweeping the nation for the past few years. The concept is simple: mental health professionals, typically older women, will offer time out of their day to talk with people struggling with mental illness, and attempt to help them through their problems.

Two women laughing on a bench together
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Despite beginning in 2006, the idea truly began to blossom in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. After so many were stuck inside for months on end, people began to crave person to person interaction, and this program helped give it to them.

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ASU Brings Friendship Benches to Arizona

This program has now entered the valley, and it's working. Every Thursday, Pencie Culiver sits on a bench on the Arizona State campus, with nothing but a sign that says "I'm All Ears". She invites anyone to sit down and talk with her, for however long they wish.

Some, she helps with their mental struggles, others, she just lends an ear, but to all, she's become a symbol of hope. She says that just her presence has helped so many, especially those a long way from home.

"They Feel Like They're Talking to Their Grandma".

[Arizona State University][The Friendship Bench][ASU News via YouTube]

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