A SOCIAL experiment started in the United Kingdom to connect people though a coffee and a chat has arrived on the Mornington Peninsula.
The Chatty Cafe scheme, which is now operating throughout Australia, aims to get people talking to build to social skills and connections within the community, and help to reduce social isolation and loneliness.
Volunteer Mornington Peninsula coordinator Jacky Howgate said the concept was just starting on the peninsula, but already a variety of venues had signed on to participate, and the team of volunteer “chatters” who host a table and help conversation along was growing.
British founder Alex Hoskyn came up with the idea after going to a local cafe with her four-month-old son and seeing several people – including an elderly woman and a disabled person and his support worker – who looked like they needed conversation starters.
While thinking about the positive impact people could have on each other if they sat together, Ms Hoskyn developed the concept of Chatty Cafe, which now has more than 900 venues in the UK.
Ms Howgate took on the role of peninsula coordinator last year under the guidance of Chatty Cafe Australia, and said she was “delighted” so far with the response from venues.
“I have also been lucky enough to have my good friend Gaynor Ridley come on board as my volunteer manager and we are working hard as a team to generate momentum,” she said.
Eight peninsula venues have signed up to participate on certain days and times and Ms Howgate said she was hoping to encourage others to come on board. Discussions are being held to involve service clubs and businesses.
“I am hoping that some schools will also consider signing up to the scheme – not to encourage their students to drink coffee necessarily, but to promote friendship and conversation in the playground,” Ms Howgate said.
“As a teacher, this is a particular area of interest for me. I am also hoping to approach retirement villages and hopefully aged care facilities in due course, COVID-permitting.”
Ms Howgate said COVID had affected a number of the peninsula’s commercial venues and so the main focus in recent months had been community houses, libraries and other community venues.
“I am thrilled to have Mornington Information and Community Support Centre sign up to the scheme, with centre manager Stuart Davis-Meaghan last week opening the meeting room and welcoming the first visitors for coffee and a chat,” she said.
“As with Mornington Community House, there is no charge for coffee and this means that we are truly able to invite and involve everyone in the scheme.”
To find out about becoming a volunteer or suggest venues contact Jacky Howgate on mornpenchattycafe@gmail.com or 0416 860 239.
Where and when to chat:
Monday 10-30am -midday Mornington Library, Vancouver Street.
Tuesday 11am-midday Flock, 2/25 Dava Drive, Mornington; and Mornington Community House, 3/91 Wilsons Road, Mornington.
Wednesday 10.30am-11.30am La Sorella, 18a Main Street, Mornington; and 11am-midday Commonfolk Cafe, 16 Progress Street, Mornington
Thursday 11am-midday Flock, 2/25 Dava Drive, Mornington.
Monday-Thursday 10am-2pm The Meeting Room, Mornington Community Information Centre, 320 Main Street; and Via Battisti, 26 Lochiel Avenue, Mount Martha.
First published in the Mornington News – 15 March 2022
