A STUDENT from Looe Primary Academy has taken her seat at the forefront of forging friendship bonds with the creation of the Friendship Bench Project.

When Year Four pupil Julia Sobol moved to Cornwall from East Sussex in 2018, most friendship groups were already formed, and she found it difficult to make friends.

Although she tried attending many different school clubs, she still struggled to accommodate herself in a new place.

This was until she met William West through a family friend, and he told her of a great idea they had in his own school.

William explained that his school has installed a bench specifically for the purpose of making friendships.

The idea is that a lonely student can sit down there, and then other children will be able to see someone who would like some company or someone to play with.

Inspired by her own experiences, Julia knew instantly that she would love to create the same idea in her own school and, thus, the Friendship Bench Project was born.

Julia, nine, is passionate about the project as something that could change children’s lives and said: ‘’No one deserves to be lonely.

“It is essential for us all to have someone to talk to. One friend can change your whole life.

“Whoever feels lonely sits on a bench and then anyone can spot them and try to offer company, friendship or someone to play with.”

Julia and her mum approached Councillor Armand Toms – their neighbour and good friend – who is known for his talents in woodwork and carpentry. Councillor Toms immediately supported the idea and told Julia that he would like to help her fulfil her aspirations for the project.

The bench was made, complete with an engraving of Julia’s own quotation that sums up her motivations behind the project: “One friend can change your whole life”.