People are encouraged to drop in to their local leisure centre for a chat and a cuppa.
GLL, which runs centres on behalf of Westmorland & Furness Council, holds weekly sessions at Ulverston, Kendal, Penrith and Appleby for people who want to meet new people and socialise in a friendly, welcoming and warm space.
Chatter Matters provides the opportunity for people within the community to come together and forge new friendships to help reduce social isolation as well as supporting wellbeing, tackling health issues and encouraging more people to get active and adopt healthier lifestyles.
The groups meet at:
- Ulverston Leisure Centre, Mondays 10.30am-1pm
- Penrith Leisure Centre, Mondays 11am-1pm and Fridays 1.30pm-3.30pm
- Appleby Leisure Centre, Wednesdays 11.15am-1.15pm
- Kendal Leisure Centre, Fridays noon-2pm
They usually attract up to 30 people per session.
The format centres around creating a warm space for people to chat with friends old and new over a brew and enjoy a light lunch, biscuits and fruit, followed by time to play board games.
Guests can opt to take part in the gentle Movement Matters exercise classes while checks such as blood pressure and wellbeing advice is also available to support those managing long-term health conditions.
Each session costs £2 per person and booking in advance is not required.
Ian Thompson, assistant health and communities manager for Westmorland & Furness, who has been responsible for introducing Chatter Matters to the area said: “The weekly gatherings provide a lifeline for many people, enabling them to widen their social circle and develop an invaluable network of friends and fellow comrades who delight in sharing stories over a brew.
“Collectively, we’ve created something truly special – a tight knit community who come together to support one another through life altering situations such as bereavement, illness and house moves; offer encouragement; have fun; and celebrate joyous occasions.”
