Good ole fashioned chat

Businesses across Bayside are signing up to become a Chatty Café to re-establish social connections and tackle loneliness that has grown during COVID -19.

Chatty Café is a global scheme where cafes, bars and restaurants become the setting for new friendships.

Council provided a Community Grant to the Australian arm of Chatty Café, which will fund membership fees for around 150 local venues and provide a starter pack of window stickers, signs and posters.

“We are looking for volunteers to assist venues with training and to introduce participants to each other and kick start the conversation,” Managing Director of Chatty Café, Glenys Reid said.

The premise of Chatty Café is to break down feelings of loneliness and social isolation based on conversation. Allocated spots in venues across the municipality give access for members of the community to meet with a Chatty Café volunteer for a good ole fashioned chat.

“COVID-19 is still present, and some people are still uneasy about going out,” Glenys said.

“Chatty Café groups are also online via Zoom or can be done over the phone”

Volunteers for venue tables, virtual chats or phone calls can register at baysidevolunteering.com.au

Hospitality venues can register to be a Chatty Café at chattycafescheme.com/Australia – the registration fee will be reimbursed. Email chattycafeaustralia.gmail.com for more.