Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has added two new Chatty Benches in Ballymena.

The benches are located at The Rectory Estate on Devenagh Way and at Ballee Way. Both sites are on land owned by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.

The benches are made from recycled materials. Each has a plaque with a QR code that links to information about the Mid and East Antrim Loneliness Network.

The network now has 28 Chatty Benches across the borough.

Mayor Jackson Minford said the benches form part of efforts to reduce loneliness and social isolation through community engagement. He said the simple idea is that anyone can sit and start a conversation.

Roy McClean of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive said more people have experienced loneliness and isolation in recent years. He said the benches offer a way to break down social barriers by encouraging people to say hello.

Marjorie Hawkins, chairperson of the Loneliness Network, said the benches are intended to address loneliness and promote mental wellbeing. She said the hope is that the new benches will become places where people meet, talk and feel connected.