Neue Orte der Begegnung – Taufname „Babbelbank“
New places of encounter – called „Babbel-Bench“

Depending on the region, they are affectionately called „Ratschbankerl“, „Schwatzbankerle“, „Plauderbank“, „Gesellige Bank“ or also „Schnnackbank“. They are recognisable as such by a corresponding sign and are located in public places. Anyone who sits down on the bench is signalling: I would like to have a chat. Anyone who sits down on the bench confirms: I feel like listening and I feel like talking.

„Babbeln“ in our dialect means: „Cool talking to each other about everything in the world“. Whether small or big things.

The idea of setting up benches in public places so that strangers can easily engage in conversation originated in work with senior citizens.

The intention behind this is to create a low-threshold offer to reduce loneliness and isolation. What many older people lack above all are conversation partners.

The advisory board for migration and integration of the district of Mainz-Bingen would like to take up and expand this basic idea for the district:

Benches should be set up as meeting places, not only for senior citizens, but for all citizens.

Because it is not always easy for migrants to make contact with German-speaking fellow citizens.

„We hope that such a bench will enable citizens of all ages, origins, skin colours, religions and genders to talk to each other and exchange ideas,“ the advisory councils in the district of Mainz-Bingen hope.