Dean Perryman, 30, has initiated a nationwide campaign called "Empty Chairs" to offer companionship to strangers, inspired by the tragic loss of his best friend to suicide. Since December of the previous year, Perryman has been inviting unknown individuals to join him in pubs and restaurants across the country.
Perryman conceived the "Empty Chairs" concept after his close friend, Rob Clancy, died by suicide at the age of 29 in November. Driven by a desire to ensure that no one else experiences such profound loneliness, Perryman began organizing meet-ups. He typically wears a bright orange hoodie to make his presence noticeable to those who might wish to engage.
In a recent event in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, the campaign celebrated its 1,000th meet-up with approximately 12 attendees. Perryman expressed pride in the initiative's growth, stating that it has been an "incredible experience" and that he continues to enjoy every aspect of it. "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," he told news agency SWNS. "I have been able to meet and connect with so many new people and learn about them. It gives people an opportunity to speak openly if they need it."
Perryman, who works for a team-building game company, utilized social media to generate interest in the "Empty Chairs" concept. The initiative began in London and Essex, and Perryman has since recruited volunteers to host events throughout the United Kingdom and internationally. Gatherings have been scheduled in various UK locations, including Manchester, Bedford, Cambridge, and York, and have extended to countries such as Colombia, Spain, the United Arab Emirates, and Australia.
Perryman noted that many participants return for subsequent events, particularly in smaller towns, where lasting friendships have formed. He has personally attended 61 "Empty Chairs" events and highlighted that a significant benefit is observing men opening up about their difficulties in a safe environment. "Some people come because they really want someone to listen to what they have to say," he said. "Others come because they have the capacity to be there for someone else. Everyone shares their own story, but it stays at the table."
The conversations at these gatherings are diverse, covering topics from the challenges of urban isolation to a wide range of personal experiences. "To give people a place that they can go when they need to talk is incredible," Perryman stated.
Perryman has over 200 additional events planned and intends to continue scheduling them. He observed that the attendees are typically a diverse group, representing various backgrounds and ages. "Every Empty Chairs event you go to, you are going to meet people of different walks of life," he said. "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."
Perryman hopes that the "Empty Chairs" campaign will serve as a lasting tribute to his friend Rob, whom he believes could have benefited from such a supportive space. "He was the kindest, sweetest guy you could ever hope to meet," Perryman said of his friend. "Like a lot of men, he wasn’t the biggest sharer. 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." "To now be in a position where Empty Chairs looks like it could be a legacy for Rob is amazing," Perryman added.