CATERING staff have become the first in Barnard Castle to sign up to a scheme which aims to combat loneliness.
The Witham’s cafe is now an official Chatty Cafe.
Every Tuesday and Friday mornings from 10am to noon, the cafe boasts a dedicated “chatter and natter” table – a place for people to sit if they’re happy to talk to other customers.
The Chatty Cafe scheme was launched just two years ago in Oldham and now boasts a network of more than 900 venues across the country and further afield.
Founder Alex Hoskyns said: “I know from experience that when you are feeling lonely, a short conversation with another human can really brighten your day and I realised that you can be out of the house all day yet have no interaction with another person.
“A chatter and 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.”
The Witham Cafe manager Suzanne Wallace added: “We are passionate about customer service and also about helping combat loneliness.
“We have lots of customers, especially older people, who come in to share a bit of conversation and a smile with our friendly staff.
“The Chatty Cafe Scheme feels natural to us so it’s great to join in the national initiative.”
The chatter and natter table will also be in situ at The Witham on film screening nights.
“We know that some people attend on their own, so why not strike up a conversation with another film enthusiast,” added Ms Wallace.
