An initiative designed to combat loneliness by reserving an empty chair in pubs for conversation is aiming to hold events in every UK constituency by 21 November. The 'Empty Chairs' project was founded by Dean Perryman following the death of his friend, Rob Clancy, who took his own life.
Mr Perryman, from Hockley, Essex, began the project less than 12 months ago. He shared on social media in December that he would go to a pub nightly that month, sitting at a table with empty chairs to create a space for conversation. The first person joined an 'Empty Chairs' table on day four in Benfleet, Essex.
The project has since expanded globally, with events taking place in countries including Canada and Australia. In July, 'Empty Chairs' marked its 1,000th event. Mr Perryman's current goal is to have gatherings in every UK constituency before 21 November, which marks the first anniversary of his friend's death.