A West Cumbrian cafe has joined a scheme to help combat loneliness.
The Next Chapter Coffee Bar, at Haig Enterprise Park in Kells, has joined the nationwide Chatty Café Scheme.
The scheme aims to reduce social isolation by encouraging people to start conversations.
Starting on June 27, The Next Chapter Coffee Bar will host a Chatty Table every Friday from 10am to noon, offering a welcoming space for people to connect.
Look out for the table with a yellow triangular sign, and volunteers wearing a yellow lanyard.
Friendly staff from Hope Haven will be there to greet people, offer a listening ear, and spark conversations between those sat at the table.
Hope Haven is a unique new community wellbeing project. It brings together health, social care and community services to offer people in Whitehaven and Copeland support without needing to be ‘referred’ or go on a waiting list.
Their staff at the Chatty Table can offer some encouragement or advice on the spot. They can also arrange for someone to get more support if they want it. This could be one-to-one help from GPs at Cumbria Health, support workers at mental health charity Everyturn, housing and money advice from Home Group, or help from several other partner organisations.
The Chatty Café scheme was the brainchild of Alexandra Hoskyn, who founded it after a miserable day at a supermarket café with her infant son, where she noticed that no one was talking to each other.
Louise Murphy, who created and runs The Next Chapter Coffee Bar, said: “I know what it’s like to feel isolated and unsure where to turn.
“That’s why I’m so proud to be part of the Chatty Café Scheme. It means a lot to me to create a space where people feel welcome, seen and heard. I’ve come through difficult times myself, and I want to give back by helping others feel a little less alone.”
