The desire for company and closeness accompanies us all. But sometimes it is a real challenge to find these moments in everyday life. We experience feelings of loneliness mainly in stressful situations, when we suffer personal loss or due to changes in our social lives.
To counteract this, the city of Erlangen has launched an initiative: the B(P)lauderbänke. These are meeting benches in the cemetery that stand out with their friendly blue color (photo: registry office). They invite you to take a seat and talk to each other and exchange thoughts and ideas. Are you sitting on the bench? Then you are signaling to others: "Feel free to sit down and talk to me. I'm open to a conversation and happy to share ideas." The meeting benches are not only open to visitors to the cemetery. They are there for anyone who longs for a chat or simply wants to be in good company. The B(P)lauderbänke can be found in burial plots 51 and 54 at the Central Cemetery.
Promoting social interaction
With the introduction of these places, the city of Erlangen wants to set an example for community and active togetherness. It wants to create an atmosphere in which everyone feels comfortable. The aim is to
- to promote social interaction
- strengthen integration and
- build bridges between different generations and cultures.
Loneliness is more than just a feeling of isolation. It can have serious health consequences, from mental illness to cardiovascular problems and an increased risk of dementia in old age. It has a profound impact on our well-being, our social participation and our life together. Particularly affected are
- young people
- singles
- Single parents
- People with a migration background
- People with health restrictions or low income.
Respectful and discreet conversations
Changes in our society and family structures as well as increased media consumption contribute to this. Familiar contacts are often missing, especially in difficult life situations. Or it is difficult to fall back on them. The coronavirus pandemic has exacerbated this trend and highlighted the need for real human contact. Unfulfilled expectations and a lack of depth in relationships, as well as the lack of social places, reinforce the feeling of loneliness.
As a traditional place of silence and remembrance, the cemetery with its benches offers a special opportunity to talk to each other in a respectful and discreet setting. Especially in times of increasing loneliness, places like these are invaluable.
Be part of the change - take a seat!
Read also
Funeral facilities; construction and maintenance
The municipalities are obliged to establish and maintain the necessary burial facilities, in particular cemeteries and mortuaries.
Cemetery and burial fees should cover costs
The new grave usage fees take into account factors such as the number of grave spaces or the amount of care required. Increased personnel and material costs are taken into account for burial services.
Frequently asked questions about the planned cemetery fees
Cemeteries are places of mourning, remembrance and cultural identity. In order to maintain the cemeteries as lively, well-kept and accessible places for all citizens, the city of Erlangen must raise the cemetery fees. At the same time, the aim is to adjust fees at regular intervals in future (e.g. every three years) in order to avoid large jumps.
Funeral facilities; construction and maintenance
The municipalities are obliged to establish and maintain the necessary burial facilities, in particular cemeteries and mortuaries.
Cemetery and burial fees should cover costs
The new grave usage fees take into account factors such as the number of grave spaces or the amount of care required. Increased personnel and material costs are taken into account for burial services.
Frequently asked questions about the planned cemetery fees
Cemeteries are places of mourning, remembrance and cultural identity. In order to maintain the cemeteries as lively, well-kept and accessible places for all citizens, the city of Erlangen must raise the cemetery fees. At the same time, the aim is to adjust fees at regular intervals in future (e.g. every three years) in order to avoid large jumps.