Muslim Charity and Bassetlaw District Council are pleased to have funded nine Happy to Chat benches across Bassetlaw, aimed at addressing the rising concern of loneliness among district residents.
Census data reveals that approximately 24% of adults in Bassetlaw report feelings of loneliness, with 7.6% indicating that they often or always feel lonely. Recognising this, Muslim Charity and Bassetlaw District Council have highlighted the need for community spaces that encourage social interaction.
The nine Happy to Chat benches, installed in popular locations for elderly residents, offer a welcoming space for community members to sit and connect, helping to ease feelings of loneliness. The benches, made from durable recycled materials and designed for long-lasting use in community spaces, will be located at:
- Langold Country Park (x2)
- Costhorpe Cricket Ground (Carlton Cricket Club)
- Costhorpe Sports Field
- Tom Simpson Field, Harworth
- Snipe Park, Harworth
- London Road (near Whinney Moor Lane), Retford
- Pocket Park, corner of Sandy Lane and Gateford Road, Worksop (x2)
Bringing people together
Bakhtyar Pirzada, Chairman of Muslim Charity, said: “The Happy to Chat benches project exemplifies Muslim Charity’s commitment to supporting Bassetlaw’s communities. Through this partnership, we aim to provide spaces that encourage dialogue, friendship, and social engagement, addressing loneliness directly.”
Councillor Lynne Schuller, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing at Bassetlaw District Council, added: “I am delighted to work alongside Muslim Charity to provide the Happy to Chat benches. The presence of these benches, signalling openness to conversation, can actively support mental health and counter social isolation.
“I look forward to people forming new connections and finding support within their communities. Taking the time to sit and chat may have a greater impact than one realises. We thank Muslim Charity for their compassion in providing these benches, and we look forward to further collaboration in caring for our community.”
Handover ceremony
A handover ceremony was held at Muslim Charity’s head office at Eaton Hall, Retford, on Friday 25th October. Local dignitaries, including councillors from Bassetlaw District Council, representatives of Muslim Charity, Bassetlaw MP Jo White, community members, and other guests attended, representing or residing in the communities where the Happy to Chat benches will be placed.
Shaykh Muhammad Pirzada, Founder of Muslim Charity, spoke of the charity’s dedication to ‘building bridges of kindness through small deeds’. His words reflected Muslim Charity’s focus on sustainable, accessible community support with a meaningful, lasting impact.
The event included recitations by four children who shared poems about the importance of connection and community. Attendees also enjoyed a traditional Desi meal, encouraging conversation and connection across different faiths and backgrounds. Maroof Pirzada, UK Director of Muslim Charity, delivered a speech reminding everyone that, as members of the collective human family, we have far more in common than we realise.
The ceremony’s high-profile attendance underscored strong community support for the initiative.
Muslim Charity’s commitment to local support
The Happy to Chat benches project is the latest of Muslim Charity’s initiatives to build community spirit and support local wellbeing in Bassetlaw.
In 2022, Muslim Charity donated life-saving defibrillators to Ranby and Sutton-cum-Lound, provided benches commemorating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in Tuxford, Ranksill, Ranby, Mattersey, Rampton, and Woodbeck, and collaborated with Bassetlaw Food Bank to supply food parcels for individuals and families in need.
The charity also funded a Resuscitaire Unit for Bassetlaw Hospital to support newborns requiring resuscitation.
Muslim Charity’s reach extends globally, with projects including the installation of 5,812 water hand pumps, 1,090 water wells, and 33 ambulances in remote regions. In the past year, 621 street children have been rescued.
Muslim Charity also has a local initiative offering UK-produced honey, supporting British bees and beekeepers. Proceeds fund the Feed a Child programme, which provides school meals to vulnerable children, helping them focus, learn, and stay in school. To learn more about Muslim Charity and its projects, visit www.muslimcharity.org.uk.