This activity is suitable for pupils aged 6 - 15. 

• To promote inclusiveness, empathy, and friendship among students. Encourage students to reach out to those who may feel lonely or excluded.

• Community and belonging through shared spaces, 

• the principle of closure as students complete the social circle by reaching out.

• Planning paper and pens, comfortable cushions, rugs, small sofas, bookshelves, selection of age-appropriate books, decorative objects.

Preparation and decoration: 1-2 days. The bench is then available for use throughout the school year.

1. Choose a visible and accessible location for the Friendship Bench within the schoolyard.

2. Involve students in designing and decorating the bench to make it inviting and clear in its purpose.

3. Place a sign or plaque explaining the purpose of the Friendship Bench – a place to find a friend or someone to talk to.

4. Educate all students about the bench's purpose during assembly or class meetings, emphasizing the importance of looking out for each other.

5. Monitor the bench's use and encourage teachers and students to promote its purpose regularly.

The concept can be expanded to include multiple benches for different interests or needs, such as a Reading Bench, a Games Bench, etc., to cater to diverse student interests and encourage more interaction.

After the Friendship Bench conversations, invite participants to take a moment of silence to notice how they’re feeling—emotionally and physically—after giving or receiving support. Encourage them to close their eyes, take a few slow breaths, and reflect on the experience of being listened to or being there for someone else.

The Friendship Bench promotes a culture of empathy, inclusion, and peer support within the school environment. By providing a visible, welcoming space for those feeling lonely or in need of connection, it empowers students to recognize and respond to each other’s social and emotional needs. The initiative encourages kindness, reduces social isolation, and helps build a more compassionate and cohesive school community where every student feels seen and valued.

Ensure the bench is maintained and remains a positive symbol within the school community. Encourage students to share their positive experiences from using the bench.