When Dean Perryman lost his best friend, Rob Clancy, to suicide in November, he was overwhelmed by grief and a deep desire to make sure no one else would ever feel completely alone.

In December, just a month later, the 30-year-old from Stratford in East London began the "Empty Chairs" campaign, a simple but powerful idea built around asking strangers to sit with him in pubs to talk, listen, and connect.

Wearing a bright orange hoodie to be easily recognized, Perryman started visiting restaurants and pubs, leaving an open invitation for anyone who wanted company to join him.

He said his efforts stemmed from sadness but have since turned into something profoundly healing for many. “When I started, it came from such a place of sadness — and to see how this simple idea has been able to help so many people has been really nice,” he told SWNS.

Here's What They're Not Telling You About Your Retirement

In recent weeks, Perryman marked his 1,000th event in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex. Around a dozen people attended, celebrating how far the initiative has come.

“It has been such an incredible experience,” Perryman shared. “I am loving every second of it still.”

The gatherings began in London and Essex, but have steadily expanded throughout the United Kingdom. New events are held in Manchester, Bedford, Cambridge, Skegness, Gloucester, Leeds, York, Wrexham, and more.

Perryman has also helped launch similar sessions internationally, with meetups now planned in Colombia, Spain, the United Arab Emirates, and Australia.

This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year

The events are open to all, with participants returning regularly, especially in smaller towns where friendships often form and last long after the first meeting.

“Some people come because they really want someone to listen to what they have to say,” he explained. “Others come because they have the capacity to be there for someone else. Everyone shares their own story, but it stays at the table.”

For Perryman, one of the most rewarding parts has been seeing men express emotions they might otherwise keep bottled up. He believes spaces like his can give them the confidence to open up.

“There really isn’t a barrier to entry,” he said. “Whoever needs the space is welcome to come.”

He has now attended 61 events personally and shows no signs of slowing down, with about 200 more already planned. Each one, he said, welcomes a mix of backgrounds and generations.

“Every Empty Chairs event you go to, you are going to meet people of different walks of life. It is so powerful to show that, no matter who you are, there is a place for you. We have everyone — men, women, young, old.”

Many attendees, Perryman added, join because they are new to an area, isolated, or simply seeking companionship.

The campaign is not just a tribute to strangers but also a living memorial to his late friend. “To now be in a position where Empty Chairs looks like it could be a legacy for Rob is amazing,” he said.

Remembering Clancy, Perryman described him as “the kindest, sweetest guy you could ever hope to meet.” He said his friend was full of life but, like many men, rarely talked about his feelings.

Perryman hopes that through every shared story and conversation, his friend's memory continues to inspire compassion and connection worldwide.

No matter who shows up, he said, the message of "Empty Chairs" remains simple and unwavering — there’s always a seat for anyone who needs it.

---

Are you feeling overwhelmed or hopeless right now? Have you been withdrawing from people or activities you usually enjoy? Are you having thoughts about hurting yourself, or feeling like things will never improve?

You do not have to handle those feelings alone. Support is available, and talking to someone can make a difference. You can reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988, or by chatting online at 988lifeline.org. Trained counselors are available 24 hours a day to listen and help.

If you believe someone is in immediate danger, call emergency services right away. Even a small step, like reaching out to a trusted friend, family member, or professional, can help create a path forward.