The Chatty Café scheme encourages cafés, shops and public buildings to designate ‘Chatter & Natter’ tables where customers and visitors who may be on their own can sit if they want to talk to other people – whether it is for a few minutes while they enjoy their drink, or for an hour of good conversation.
The City of Wolverhampton Council has embraced the Chatty Café scheme, providing Chatter and Natter tables at the Civic Centre café, Bantock House Café, West Park Tea Rooms, Wolverhampton Art Gallery, WV Active Bilston-Bert Williams, Wolverhampton Market, Bilston Market, the Bob Jones Community Hub and selected libraries, including Central.
Dozens of other local venues throughout the city, including supermarkets, coffee shops, cafés, community groups and New Cross Hospital, have also signed up to the scheme. For a full list, please visit The Chatty Cafe Scheme.
Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: "Conversation, big and small, is important for our wellbeing on so many levels. Research shows that keeping socially active and connected with others helps us maintain good physical and mental health, and also supports our thinking skills.
"However, sometimes we all need a bit of help to make new connections. The Chatty Café scheme encourages venues to provides Chatter and Natter tables to ensure that people who may be out and about on their own can enjoy a bit of company and conversation with their cuppa.
"It's great to see so many organisations in Wolverhampton signing up to the scheme, and our aim is to ultimately have Chatter and Natter tables in venues across every ward in the city."
Any businesses, organisations or groups in Wolverhampton which would like to become a Chatty Café and provide a chatter and natter table to customers or service users can sign up by visiting The Chatty Café Scheme.
