Happy to Chat

Happy to Chat areas are a phenomenon that is spreading globally. A sign on a bench, picnic table, or an indoor area indicates that those who sit there are happy to chat to those who wish to stop and talk.

During our Diamond Jubilee in 2022, we invited staff and students from across our campuses – whether as individuals or groups – to adopt an item of furniture to decorate for designation as a Happy to Chat area. The spaces were painted, decorated, and enlivened with soft furnishings.

Our Happy to Chat spaces are not only indoor and outdoor spaces inviting people to speak to and interact with others but are also decorative, having been created by different groups from within our University community. Groups have decorated their chosen space in a way that means something to them and fits with the environment around the space. We hope they brighten our campuses and bring joy to those who see and use them.

If you need urgent assistance, first aid or have an emergency whilst on University premises, contact our Security team 01227 922111.

You may also wish to download the SafeZone safety app that allows you to alert University Security via your mobile phone if you ever need urgent assistance.

If you feel you would benefit from access to some mental health and wellbeing support, the following links take you to sources of support:

If you notice that a Happy to Chat space is in need of repair, please report the issue to the University’s Estates and Facilities Team.

Find a Happy to Chat space

Across our Canterbury, Medway, and Salomons campuses you will find Happy to Chat spaces. Tables, seating areas, and snugs have been decorated or simply enlivened with soft furnishings, providing a comfortable and friendly place to sit and talk.

You can locate our Happy to Chat Spaces using our campus maps.

About Canterbury Christ Church Creatives

Canterbury Christ Church Creatives is a group for staff and students of the University which brings people together to craft and make art for enjoyment and wellbeing. All crafts and arts and all levels of crafting and art-making skills are embraced and new members are always welcome. If you are interested in finding out more about the group, find us on Facebook or contact us via email. We can also be followed on Instagram as #canterburychristchurchcreative

Find a Happy to Chat space

Anselm Foyer, Canterbury

Featuring 18 macrame hearts hung in the window, each created by a different Canterbury Christ Church Creatives’ member, and two knitted cushions with hearts made using the instarsia technique for the sofa in front. The sponsors hope that the decoration creates a restful Happy to Chat space in the Anselm foyer that draws people to take a few minutes out from their busy days to relax. The hearts are made from recycled cotton cord in colours that compliment the seating area. Most of the macrame heart makers had never tried this lovely craft before this project.

Happy bench near Powell and Laud, Canterbury

The Happy Bench picnic bench located on the Powell Lawn was created by students from CCCU and visiting students from Japan’s Kansai University. The bench features a world map, centering on Japan, with iconic images for countries across the world, and the trees above the bench are decorated with origami. The group hopes that the design is a conversation-starter that encourages people to interact with each other as they use this Happy to Chat space.

Decoupage table, Food Court, Canterbury

The University’s Marketing and Communications team came together to create this Happy to Chat table as part of a team building event. They used the craft of decoupage to decorate the table with lots of their favourite images of Canterbury Christ Church University. They hope there’ll be lots here to get those who use the table talking.

Salomons Library snug, Tunbridge Wells

This seating bay in the Salomons Institute was created by student and staff members of the Salomons community. Featuring plants and books to take or swap, and crafts and jigsaws to try, the creators hope that the activities at this Happy to Chat space encourage a sense of community and connection and allow people some space in their day to be creative. Talking or not talking whilst people enjoy this space are both fine!

North Holmes Road pond garden, Canterbury

The University’s Transition and Orientation team facilitated a session during their start of year Welcome activities for lots of students and staff to stencil images of flowers, leaves and butterflies in great colours on a Happy to Chat picnic bench located in the North Holmes Road pond garden.

Rowan Williams Court, Medway

This Happy to Chat picnic table outside Rowan Williams Court was created by students and staff of the Medway Campus during the start of year Welcome Week. Led by staff from the University’s Arts & Health Research Hub and members of Canterbury Christ Church Creatives, students and staff were encouraged to decorate the surfaces with positive images and inspirational messages that they hope give a boost to those who choose to sit here.

Verena Holmes, Canterbury

Two granny square crochet throws and four beautiful cushions made using the crafts of knitting, crochet and loom knitting, decorate a seating bay in the social space on the third floor of Verena Holmes. 14 Canterbury Christ Church Creatives members contributed to this Happy to Chat space which it is hoped offers a cosy and welcoming space that encourages people to sit for a while.

Augustine House, Canterbury

A Bargello embroidery wall hanging, together with coordinating plant pots, decorate a student study space in the ground floor library area in Augustine House. The hanging is made from 25 tiles, each sewn by a different Canterbury Christ Church Creatives’ member, which were then sewn together into the finished piece. It took more than 1,000 hours of work to create and has been professionally framed. Bargello designs, like this traditional one called a pomegranate, use vertical stitches in different hues of one colour to produce intricate shading effects that appear to be three dimensional. The detail can be really mindful and peaceful to look at, so we hope this Happy to Chat area helps those who enjoy it to find some quiet space in their day.

Happy to Chat

Find a Happy to Chat space

About Canterbury Christ Church Creatives