Benches designed to be a place where people invite others to sit down and chat are to be place around the island.

The initiative was launched this week and is the brainchild of an organisation called Compassionate Isle of Man.

The ’sit and chat’ benches will be one of the organisation’s most visible projects.

A number of benches will be distinctively decorated and easily identifiable as places where people can do just that - sit and chat.

The idea is that that will decrease loneliness and isolation.

A spokesman said: ’The benches can be used by anyone, of any age, and will promote simple acts of kindness that could make a difference to people who might be living alone and needing human contact.’

Formed two years ago, Compassionate Isle of Man is a community initiative within the Hospice Isle of Man, which ’recognises the importance of families, friends, neighbours and communities working alongside statutory services to support residents of the island’.

A spokesman said: ’The hope is that the Isle of Man can demonstrate that caring for one another at times of crisis is not simply a task solely for health and social services, but is everyone’s responsibility.’

Compassionate Isle of Man is made up of representatives from across government, charities and businesses. Organisations include the police, Age Concern, Manx Blind Welfare, the Isle of Man Deaf Society, Disability Networks, PDMS, Manx Utilities, the probation service, banks, shops and the family library.

Wendy Smith, from Compassionate Isle of Man, said: ’Our aim is to nurture communities to improve well-being, build resilience at times of crisis and personal loss, support people to be compassionate and provide companionship. Compassionate Isle of Man has a key role in developing and growing a compassionate Island community.

’We have worked with councillors and commissioners from Douglas, Ramsey, Castletown, Peel, Onchan and Port St Mary to identify suitable sites for the benches.

’Some will be traditional seats, some will be picnic-style tables, but all share the objective of becoming somewhere where people can meet a new friend and have a natter.

’Each bench has a plaque featuring a QR code, which can be read via an app on your smartphone. This will take you to a page where you can find out more about other sources of help and support should you need them.

’We hope that anything which helps to overcome the epidemic of social loneliness, with its attendant health and welfare issues, will be warmly embraced across the island.’

The bench initiative was launched by Health Minister David Ashford MHK at an event held at the bandstand in Noble’s Park.

Isle of Man Newspapers will next month host an event, which will expand the project and see an increase in the availability of benches, as well as celebrating a range of initiatives which encourage community kindness.