Weekly Chatty Cafe now on offer at much-loved Northampton venue in the hope of helping mental health
A weekly Chatty Cafe session is now on offer at a much-loved Northampton venue, which is hoped to help improve mental health among the community.
The Chatty Cafe Scheme launched in Genevieve’s Cafe in Pineham around a month ago, and the team hopes to spread the word about the session from 1.30pm until 3pm every Wednesday.
Volunteer Marie Johnson joined cafe owner Laura Hughes and Claire, who introduced this scheme to Genevieve’s, to make a positive contribution to the Northampton community.
“I’m recently retired and was looking for something to do,” said Marie, who explained The Chatty Cafe Scheme operates nationally and was founded in 2016. “This is a non-profit social enterprise with over 700 Chatty Cafes and over 600 volunteers.”
The concept is simple – attendees are invited to the table with the yellow sign between 1.30pm and 3pm on Wednesdays. They can enjoy a drink, purchase something to eat if they wish, and they can talk about whatever they want to those around the table.
“It’s good for your mental health,” said Marie. “You don’t feel lonely and can talk about whatever you want.”
Marie says the only attendee at the most recent session “absolutely loved” the experience, despite being apprehensive beforehand. The two of them chatted away like they were old friends and it did not take long before finding common ground.
When asked what message she wants to send about giving the Chatty Cafe a go, Marie said: “Just do it. As a volunteer, I was frightened to go along but I absolutely love it. It gives you something to look forward to and you’ve got nothing to lose.”
Marie praised Genevieve’s as a hub of the Pineham community and she would love to see more people from across the town travel to make the most of what is on offer.
“We want to get a bigger table,” said Marie, when asked her hopes for the future of the Chatty Cafe at Genevieve’s. “Laura gives us a table for four but wants to get it up to a table of 10.
“We want people to know this is a social cafe and a place for people to come and chat. You lose track of time and talking to each other is wonderful. We’re a friendly bunch and I don’t think we talk to people enough, especially strangers.”