To some people, just the smallest interaction with another person can make an enormous impact on their day.
Loneliness is a huge problem up and down the country, particularly within the older community.
For one reason or another, people can end up feeling isolated - sometimes going days without speaking to another person.
That's why Chris Oldfield, who runs Altrincham Matters page on Facebook, decided to create the 'Happy to Chat Bench' in Altrincham town centre.
A sign on the bench - which is outside Card Factory on George Street - reads 'sit here if you don't mind someone stopping to say hello'.
Chris, 33, hopes it will help make a positive difference to the community.
He said: "I set it up at the beginning of July for people who are lonely and want someone to chat to.
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"If someone goes shopping for example, they may just go to the shops, don't speak to anyone, and go straight home after - that could be the only time they see other people all day.
"But now they can go and have a sit on the bench, and potentially strike up conversations with others in similar situations, or who are on a lunch break and happy to have a chat."
Chris took the idea from other towns in the UK who have set up similar benches.
"I thought it would be a nice thing to have in Altrincham," he added.
"At the moment we just have a laminated sign, but a business owner called Angela Stone is helping me try to get a permanent one.
"I'll go and sit on the bench and speak to people, tell them all about it.
"I've already had a lot of feedback over Twitter and Facebook - people think it's a great idea and that we should have done it sooner."
To follow the Happy To Chat Bench on Facebook, visit https://www.facebook.com/happytochatbench/
