Take a seat - make a friend

What kind of a bench is a friendship seat, we wondered. Kirsten Grant was despatched to find out.
Birkdale and Birkenhead school playgrounds have a special new bench which they hope will help frightened youngsters.
Dedicated Birkenhead Kauri Lioness service club members have raised money for special seats to be installed.
Dubbed friendship seats, they are for youngsters who have been bullied or are feeling lonely.
Jill Whorwood, from the ladies' charity group, says the purpose of the seat is to help these children.
``All children are made aware that if they see a child sitting on the seat, they, or a teacher, can go and sit with them, talk to them, make them feel welcome or include them in play,'' says Mrs Whorwood.
``They may need a friend, or it may just be their first day at school. Without the caring seat an unhappy child may just wander around the playground unnoticed.''
She says the idea for seats such as these originated in the United Kingdom and they are also used in South Auckland. North Shore is the second place in New Zealand to install the seats.
``The seat is working extremely well in schools in South Auckland and the UK.''
The Shore group has raised money for seats in four schools so far - Kauri Park School, Birkdale North, Birkdale and Chelsea Primaries - and is looking at another two. Birkenhead and Beach Haven Primary Schools are next on the list.
Sue Mulcahy, principal of Chelsea, says it's a nice gesture.
``It's good, although we don't really have a problem with bullying at school. Children are fully aware of what it means,'' she says.
``I think it's a good idea for kids to know that and it gives the children a chance to befriend others.''
Once each month, the Lionesses cook up a sausage sizzle to raise money.
``It all goes to something worthwhile, either to children with cancer or the Heart Foundation.''
Mrs Whorwood says at the end of last year the group decided to give something to local schools.
``So we're quite busy ladies.''