This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Key Takeaways
- Dean Perryman launched the 'Empty Chairs' campaign after his best friend died by suicide.
- The initiative encourages strangers to sit together in pubs and talk, fostering connection and combating loneliness.
- Originating in the UK, the movement has expanded internationally, with volunteers hosting events in multiple countries.
- It provides a safe, non-judgmental space for diverse individuals to share their stories and build friendships.
- Perryman hopes the campaign serves as a lasting legacy for his friend, emphasizing the importance of open communication.
In a heartfelt endeavor to transform personal grief into a powerful force for good, 30-year-old Dean Perryman has embarked on a remarkable journey, inviting strangers to share conversations in pubs across the globe. His initiative, aptly named 'Empty Chairs,' began in December of last year, born from a profound sense of loss and a desire to create spaces for genuine human connection.
The Genesis of a Movement
The inspiration behind 'Empty Chairs' stems from a deeply personal tragedy: the suicide of Perryman's best friend, Rob, at the age of 29, just a month before the campaign's inception. Driven by the belief that many, like Rob, might benefit from a non-judgmental space to talk, Perryman, a resident of Stratford in East London, began frequenting pubs. Easily identifiable in a bright orange hoodie, he offered an open invitation for anyone to sit with him and chat, no agenda required.
Perryman, who also works for the team-building game company Chicken Rush, leveraged social media to amplify his message and cultivate interest in the 'Empty Chairs' concept. What started as a solitary mission quickly resonated with others, demonstrating a widespread need for accessible, informal support networks.
A Growing Global Phenomenon
Just weeks ago, the 'Empty Chairs' program celebrated its 1,000th meet-up in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, a testament to its rapid growth and impact. Perryman expressed immense pride in the campaign's evolution, telling news agency SWNS, "It has been such an incredible experience. I am loving every second of it still." He added, "When I started, it came from such a place of sadness — and to see how this simple idea has been able to help so many people has been really nice."
Initially confined to London and Essex, the movement soon expanded across the United Kingdom, with volunteers stepping forward to host events in cities like Manchester, Bedford, Cambridge, and Leeds. Its reach has since transcended national borders, with 'Empty Chairs' gatherings now taking place in countries including Colombia, Spain, the United Arab Emirates, and Australia. This international expansion underscores the universal human need for connection and understanding.
Fostering Connection and Open Dialogue
Perryman, who has personally attended 61 events, finds particular satisfaction in witnessing men open up about their struggles, recognizing the critical need for safe spaces where they can express themselves freely. "Some people come because they really want someone to listen to what they have to say," he explained. "Others come because they have for someone else. Everyone shares their own story, but it stays at the table."
The events attract a remarkably diverse group of individuals, defying any specific demographic pattern. "Every Empty Chairs event you go to, you are going to meet people of different walks of life," Perryman noted. "It is so powerful to show that, no matter who you are, there is a place for you. We have everyone — men, women, young, old. There really isn’t a barrier to entry for this. Whoever needs the space is welcome to come." Many attendees return, forming lasting friendships, especially in smaller rural towns, highlighting the community-building aspect of the initiative.
A Lasting Legacy of Empathy
With numerous events already scheduled, Perryman has no intention of slowing down. He hopes that the 'Empty Chairs' campaign will serve as a lasting legacy for his best friend, Rob, whom he believes would have greatly benefited from such a space. "He was the kindest, sweetest guy you could ever hope to meet," Perryman recalled. "Like a lot of men, he was very much the life and soul of anywhere you went, but he wasn’t someone who would be the first to open up about it if he was feeling some type of way."
For Perryman, seeing 'Empty Chairs' evolve into a tribute to Rob is "amazing." The campaign stands as a poignant reminder of the importance of empathy, active listening, and creating accessible avenues for people to share their burdens and find solace in shared humanity.
Why This Matters
The 'Empty Chairs' campaign offers a simple yet profound solution to the growing global crisis of loneliness and mental health challenges, demonstrating how grassroots initiatives can foster vital community connections and provide essential support networks for those in need.