Local park’s ‘Buddy Bench’ dedicated to help combat loneliness and isolation

HERMITAGE, Pa. (WKBN) — Buhl Park is introducing a new strategy to address the impact of loneliness and isolation on our mental health.

The park dedicated the ‘buddy bench’ on Friday.

It’s located on the north shore of Lake Julia– next to the tennis courts– and is a partnership with Primary Health Network.

The idea is to design spaces within our community where individuals can come together, connect and support one another.

“We know that isolation and loneliness are significant problems in our community. There was a problem before COVID and then we sort of got through the lockdowns, people worked at home and stayed at home. We’ve never really fully reconnected,” said R. George Garrow, CEO of Primary Health Network.

There’s even a sign with instructions next to the bench so you know how to approach someone if they are sitting there.

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