Why make a phone call to nobody?

So-called wind phones are set to appear at various locations in Dorset as part of an initiative to help people express themselves.

Originating in Japan, the idea is to provide a disconnected phone which is used for reconnection with loved ones who have died but also for sharing positive memories, good news and expressing gratitude.

Organisers of the Bournemouth Writing Festival will be placing them at outdoor events and visitor locations throughout Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole and other parts of Dorset.

Festival organisers said the phones encouraged people to "pick up the phone and let the wind carry your words".

Installed in peaceful outdoor locations, the wind phones are intended to serve as places for reflection, remembrance and emotional expression.

A wind phone to help people cope with grief and loss was installed in a red telephone box on Mallams on Portland in October.

The writing festival organisers say the idea could also be used for reading dialogue aloud or talking with a fictional character.

Festival director Dominic Wong said he had noticed that during their writing workshops for people with dementia, the participants had "fantastic stories but were unable to write them down".

"The Wind Phone gives people permission to say those words out loud,

"This is a vital component of the festival's ethos to support people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to get words out of their head and into the world," he added.

One phone was installed at the Little Pickle at the Mill Cafe in Wimborne and will be going to the Garden Rooms Cafe in Boscombe from 20 to 27 June.

Another place to spot a phone will be at Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre on 28 June, as part of a guided nature writing walk, inspired by conservationist and Bournemouth resident Dame Jane Goodall.

Wind phones will also be featured at Bournemouth's Picnic in the Park on Sunday, the Art University Bournemouth's Festival of Creativity between 4 and 5 July and the Mudeford Arts Festival in Christchurch from 25 to 26 July.

"The Wind Phones is a chance for people to express themselves - not just through writing - and we'd love to collaborate with people, business and communities across the Solent region," Wong said.

The writing festival is also offering the opportunity for a wind phone to be loaned for free.