Preliminary Findings

What was our participants’ overall experience?

“It’s been very good. With the badge, people approaching me. They’re talking to me!” (Participant C, Male, 35 years old)

“It breaks the ice. It’s cheeky, it’s funny, it’s engaging. And it breaks certain barriers. And I think it’s interesting.” (Participant G, Female, 75 years old)

“If somebody is feeling a bit lonely or, you know, needs a conversation. Then I’d be happy to be that person.” (Participant M, Female, 65 years old)

Where would they wear the badges?

Our findings show that 86% of the participants have been wearing the badges. 48% of them would wear them several times a week. The places they wear the badges are during their shopping trips (57%), park walks (38%), at work (38%) and during public transportation (33%)

“I would put on the badges, when I’m going somewhere sort of where I know I’ve got a bit of time and I know that if somebody wants to talk, then I’ll have the space to actually engage in a conversation.” (Participant N, Female, 52 years old)

Many of the participants in the education and health sector felt comfortable wearing their badge at work because it promotes conversations amongst colleagues and makes them come across more available.

“People might think that we’re busy so it’s nice to have it there so that people feel we are available. I think it’s a great idea for our workplace.” (Participant R, Female, 54 years old)

Why participating in Happy to Chat? 

All participants that encountered conversations felt that the recipient benefitted through the help and friendship building that arose from them. Some participants also felt that they had an opportunity to impact someone who may be lonely. They told us:

“It was just nice to feel that I’d made somebody else’s time. Fun, you know, yeah” (Participant M, Female, 65 years old)

“That’s one of the reasons I got involved with happy to chat because I feel that something like this is something that’s needed. For the elderly, for young people, for older people.” (Participant C, Male, 35 years old)

What are the benefits for participating in Happy to Chat? 

It turns out that chatting is also good for our Happy to Chat champions too.

Our participants rated their happiness at 7.21 out of 10 before participating in Happy to Chat. After participating in Happy to Chat for three months, their happiness increased to 8.05.

Our participants rated their anxiousness as 3.21 out of 10 before participating in Happy to Chat. After participating in Happy to Chat for three months, their anxiousness dropped to 2.58.

Before participating in Happy to Chat, 42% of participants told us that they feel occasionally, sometimes or often lonely. Three months later, only 38% of participants rated as feeling occasionally, sometimes or often lonely.

No safety concerns, but a bit of social awkwardness!

Many of the participants found the leaflet and risk mitigation card a great asset to the Happy to Chat pack, providing information to help and guide themselves and others to the important helplines. They also liked the safety reminder at the back of each badge.

“The message says only wear the badge in places and times when you’re feeling safe. You know, to be honest, that’s quite nice because it’s not putting any kind of pressure on somebody.” (Participant C Male, 35 years old)

No one told us they felt unsafe while participating Happy to Chat. 86% of the participants told us they feel safe and very safe when participating in Happy to Chat.

However, some participants were hesitant in continuing wearing the badge due to social concerns like attracting uncomfortable attention, despite their willingness to support the Happy to Chat movement.

“I am already chatty, I don’t want to wear a Happy to Chat badge because wearing it makes me feel as if I have to respond to anyone’s initiation of conversations. Saying that, if I spotted someone wearing Happy to Chat, I would certainly go up and have a chat with this person to show my support!” (Participant S, Female, 75 years old)

Recommending Happy to Chat – the more the merrier!

81% of participants told their family and friends that they were participating in Happy to Chat and 67% of participants said that they would recommend Happy-to-chat to their friends and family because of the positive impact it can have on mental health within our society.

They all felt that Happy-to-Chat should be adopted in Uxbridge, or their respective area, because of how the initiative directly impacts loneliness and isolation as well as bringing people together.

“It can make a difference in your day. You know, there are times where we all struggle with mental health.” (Participant F, Male, 41 years old)

“Talking to other people is good for yourself, as well as them.” (Participant S, Female, 65 years old)

“I do believe sometimes people just need a little push. You know just like an ice breaker. They just need that. And if more people wore it, I believe that more people would talk to each other.” (Participant M, Female, 65 years old)