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3 people, two women and one man pose in the middle of Orchard Square with shops, people, and bunting in the background.

b:friend named as Orchard Square’s Charity of the Year

June 6th, 2026 by Sara Kopecsni

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We’re delighted to announce that Orchard Square, Sheffield’s independent retail, leisure and entertainment destination in the heart of the city, has named b:friend as its Charity of the Year, starting from June 2026.

Over the next 12 months, we’ll be working together to raise awareness of loneliness and social isolation among older adults, while bringing the community together through a range of exciting activities and events, which will also raise funds for the charity’s mission.

We’re especially looking forward to the launch of the Orchard Square ‘Chatty Bench’, painted in b:friend colours and designed to encourage people to stop, sit down and start a conversation.

Image of a pink and grey bench in front of a book shop and cafe. Features the Orchard Square and b:friend logo
An artist’s impression of the “Chatty Bench” (the final design is subject to change)

Shay Murray, Centre Manager at Orchard Square, said: “We are delighted to welcome b:friend as our Charity of the Year. Their work has such a positive impact in communities across our region – and beyond – and as an organisation that places such importance on community, we are proud to support a charity that helps bring people together and tackles loneliness in such a meaningful way.”

Colette Bunker, CEO of b: friend, said: “We are incredibly thrilled and grateful for the opportunity to be Orchard Square’s Charity of the Year. Orchard Square is a perfect match for us as a real community hub in the heart of Sheffield. With its fantastic selection of vendors, it’s a place that brings people together to enjoy a day out and make memories.

“b:friend is all about community. We support older adults who may go days or weeks without any social contact and see the detrimental impact of loneliness and isolation every day. Our aim is to reconnect them with the people and places around them, so they can regain confidence and joy in later life. With the help of Orchard Square, we can make a huge difference to the lives of our older neighbours.”

Fetaured image description: Celebrating our charity partnership: Shay Murray, Centre Manager of Orchard Square, Andrew Lofthouse, Corporate Relationships Manager of b:friend, & Colette Bunker, CEO of b:friend, pictured on Orchard Square