Detective Ashley Jones works at a police department in England. He has recently made a significant1一loneliness is a serious social problem that can contribute to depression and even crimes, but it can be2in a clever way. The3? Chat benches.
Jones got the idea after he had talked with an elderly lady who had been cheated of her4. The lady would get a call from a stranger every morning who 5made her believe that he was her friend, and then she lent him about "f 31,000. Jones was6 when she said that she didn't actually7 being cheated. "Otherwise, 1would never speak to another person for weeks on end," she said.
This led Jones to the conclusion that there are too many extremely 8 people in his community, who are easy targets of cheating. So he9 to do something about it. He 10 the police department to allow him to 11 a couple of "chat benches" in two of their local parks. Then he hung a colorful sign on each of the benches that12:"HAPPY TO CHAT. "Just a few days after the signs went up, he found people sitting there and engaging in active and13 conversations.
The idea is catching on14There are now over 40 chat benches throughout England. More new chat benches have sprung up across the UK and beyond. All who participated have gained a (n)15 outcome from getting involved. Jones' idea has been fully 16-the "HAPPY TO CHAT" benches help17 the invisible social barrier that keeps people from saying hello.
This effort is not just a(n) 18 at being community minded一it's also a 19 measure. It prevents people who are cut off from society falling victim to cheaters.
The Chat Bench is a fantastic new project that20 those of all ages to interact and get to know each other in the future.
