Canton of Zug, 12.06.2024
Yellow "How are you?" benches invite conversation
The canton of Zug is actively committed to the mental health of its population. As a visible sign of this, nine of Zug's eleven municipalities have set up yellow "Wie gehts dir?" (How are you doing) benches. The yellow benches are intended to encourage an open dialogue about mental well-being.
There are benches at the following locations: in the Martinspark in Baar, by the community centre (Gemeinwesenzentrum) in Cham, on the Dorfplatz in Hünenberg, at the Neuheim Dorf bus stop in Neuheim, on the Seeweg (lakeside path) by Lake Aegeri in Unterägeri, opposite the Aegeri swimming pool (Ägeribad) at the main station in Oberägeri, by the Mütschi retirement home in Walchwil, by the Weiherpark senior citizens' centre in Steinhausen and at the Zuwebe Foundation by the Restwert project at Zeughausstrasse 9 AND on the terrace at the Freiruum at Zählerweg 5 in Zug.
An interactive map shows the exact locations of the benches:https://www.wie-gehts-dir.ch/baenkli
Councillor Martin Pfister makes himself comfortable on one of the Zug benches. Location: At the Zuwebe Foundation at the Restwert project at Zeughausstrasse 9 in the city of Zug Photo: zvg
According to the Health Directorate, the benches should serve as a place to meet, listen and exchange ideas between generations. "Here, passers-by, neighbours and friends can talk about their feelings, fears and worries - without prejudice or stigma."
The conversation benches are part of the "How are you?" campaign. They were made possible thanks to the financial support of the Swiss Health Promotion Foundation (Stiftung Gesundheitsförderung Schweiz) and were produced by local companies in the cantons. The Zug benches were made by the Zuwebe Foundation, and have been available to the people of Zug since April.