Pleso Partners with Empty Chairs to Make Mental Health Support More Accessible

We're excited to announce our partnership with Empty Chairs, a UK community initiative bringing people together through meaningful conversations and human connection.

Together, we're working to make mental health support more accessible by combining the power of community with professional care. Through this collaboration, Pleso will provide free online therapy sessions for Empty Chairs community members and educational workshops to support the volunteers who make these gatherings possible.

Bringing People Together, One Conversation at a Time

Founded by Dean Perryman after losing his best friend, Rob, to suicide, Empty Chairs creates welcoming spaces where people can connect, share experiences, and feel less alone.

Through informal gatherings in pubs and other public spaces, the initiative encourages people to sit down, have a conversation, and build meaningful connections, without pressure or expectations.

At Pleso, we share the belief that mental well-being involves both human connection and access to professional support. That's what makes this partnership a natural fit.

Three Free Online Therapy Sessions for Community Members

As part of the collaboration, Pleso is offering three free online therapy sessions to 100 Empty Chairs community members. Those interested can request access directly through Empty Chairs organizers or community leads, who will provide a dedicated promotional code.

The offer is available for activation until 31 December 2026, giving community members an opportunity to explore professional mental health support without the initial financial barrier.

Supporting Empty Chairs Hosts Through Mental Health Workshops

Beyond therapy access, Pleso's mental health team, Irina Molnus and Tim Felton, is delivering a series of three interactive workshops for Empty Chairs volunteer hosts.

The first workshop, held on 20 October, focused on creating psychologically safe spaces, navigating sensitive conversations, setting healthy boundaries, and understanding when to refer someone to professional support.

Through practical exercises and group discussions, hosts explored how to support meaningful conversations while recognizing the boundaries of their role. Two further workshops are planned to build on these skills.

By bringing community connection and professional mental health support closer together, Pleso and Empty Chairs hope to help more people feel heard, supported, and less alone.

Learn more about the initiative at emptychairs.org.uk.