Chatty cafes help silence loneliness

A new Chatty Cafe scheme launched by Alexandra Hoskyn (left) has taken off with 13 cafes adopting the idea

A SCHEME to combat loneliness and isolation in Oldham has taken off less than three months after it launched.

The Chronicle reported on new start-up project The Chatty Café in April, which was set up to create a space for residents to talk and enjoy each other's company.

Mum-of-one Alexandra Hoskyn who is the brains behind the idea was excited to announce that 13 cafés across Oldham have already adopted the scheme, with more in the pipeline.

Alexandra, from Lees, said: "When I have called in the cafés they have said there has been a good take up and lots and lots of people asking about them.

"The idea is to encourage cafés to have a Chatter & Natter table which is where customers can sit if they are happy to talk to other customers.

"It's fantastic that the scheme now has 13 cafés in the Oldham borough with a Chatter & Natter table."

Cafés in Lees, Grotton, Uppermill, Chadderton, Oldham town centre and Shaw have so far adopted the scheme.

The project is being supported by Oldham Council, Age UK, The Saddleworth Rotary Club and Spindles Shopping Centre.

Residents are invited to attend any of the following locations to meet with other people and have a chat over coffee:

* Coles Cake and Coffee House, Lees (weekdays). A £1 hot drink is available to anyone using the designated Chatter & Natter table

* Relish Sandwich Bar, Grotton (weekdays)

* Reclamation Room Café, Lee St, Uppermill (Thursdays, 9.30am-12pm)

* The Old Library Garden Café, High St, Uppermill (café opening soon)

* The Pavillion Café, Coalshaw Green Park, Coalshaw Green Road, Chadderton (Every Tuesday and Wednesday, 11am-2pm)

* Costa Coffee, Integran?Café Mandels, Dunwood Park, Shaw (Thursdays 2-4pm)

A full list of participating venues can be found on the Chatty Café website.

For information visit www.thechattycafescheme.co.uk or call Alexandra on 07917586160.