Chatty Cafe is Coming to Harrogate
We are delighted to bring ‘Chatty Cafe’ to Harrogate on the 2nd of April 2025. The founder - Alex Hoskyn started this scheme because of her own experience while on maternity leave. Alex explains how it works.
‘A Chatter & Natter table creates a space for people to talk; whether it is for five minutes while you drink a brew, or an hour of good conversation. We’re not trying to build friendships – just simple interactions to combat loneliness and to just maybe have a big impact on someone’s day.
Although the aims of the scheme are to reduce loneliness and get people chatting we decided not to use the word loneliness on any of the publicity that is displayed in cafes. Instead it is very positive and focuses on bringing people of all ages and from all walks of life together. We want to mix everyone up! We are very proud to share that in January 2019 we won the Innovate in Ageing competition.
This is a national competition to find innovative solutions to an ageing population and the judges liked our scheme because it is simple and effective! In March 2020 we were runners up in the Governments Nesta Tech To Connect Challenge which was looking for solutions to tackle social isolation through technology. Did you know a recent survey found that over 75% of us would like more real-life conversations. So let’s get talking!
Colleen - a businesss owner and Chamber member first heard about 'Chatty Café' about two years ago and thought it was an amazing idea. This is her story :
At the time, I was running a Home Care Agency and simply did not have the time to support it. Now that I have transitioned to Alana Care Solutions, which focuses on bridging the gaps in social care within the community, I feel that this is the right time to pay it forward. It is a voluntary role, and I am seeking my Number One (a Star Trek reference 😀) to support me. If you would like to know more about Chatty Café or Alana Care Solutions, please feel free to reach out.
