Town Council supports initiative to tackle loneliness

As a stated priority of Hednesford Town Council to overcome the blight of isolation and loneliness in our community they welcome the pioneering initiative with Costa Coffee in Victoria Street Hednesford to establish the first Chatter & Natter Table.

The www.thechattycafescheme.co.uk explains “a Chatter & Natter table is where customers can sit if they are happy to talk to other customers.  It creates a space for people to talk; whether for five minutes while you drink a brew, or an hour of good conversation.  Simple interactions could just maybe have a big impact on someone’s day”.

A Chatter & Natter table has been introduced in the Hednesford branch of Costa. Ryan Thompson, store manager is pictured at the table with Hednesford Town Councillors Sharon Jagger and Debbie Cartwright.

Ryan said “With a growing, ageing population; carers young and old, the bereaved, minority and marginalised individuals – all live amongst us and are part of our community, let’s just all have a chat! It’s a great idea!”

Councillor Jagger, the Town Council’s principal speaker for loneliness, isolation and wellbeing who spearheaded this local project said “This is a very simple initiative which could have a huge impact on the wellbeing of many in our community.  Ryan’s keen support for putting this scheme into Costa Hednesford has been inspiring and we will be working with others across the Town to expand the scheme to help people have the confidence to pop out for a chat”.