Chatty Cafes

One of my sons recently spent some time in hospital. on his ward was a fairly elderly man, a widower, who said to my son when he was ready for discharge "I would rather stay here at least I get to talk to people", how sad is that.

I remember meeting up with a former colleague who lives alone after Covid and she said she hadn't spoken to anyone for 3 weeks...this is desperately sad...sometimes we don't realise how lonely some people feel if they don't have human contact...I've since tried to engage with her to meet for a coffee but she is a very private person. know she can be social at times - maybe she wants time alone as we all do ..people understand the difference to wanting to be alone at certain times but loneliness is increasing IMO..will check out a local cafe and maybe ask her to join...

In a park near me there are buddy benches, odd name, but they are for people to sit on that are willing or wanting to have a chat, they are always occupied.

Thank you for posting this. I’ve never heard of them but it looks like they have some in my area. What a great idea.

What a lovely idea. I sometimes strike up a conversation if I see a very elderly person on their own and often they live on their own and are very lonely and glad to chat to someone. I overheard a conversation where 3 ladies were in conversation one said "but you have already told me that". The other one said "oh dear I haven't spoken to anyone for over a week"

I’ve seen tables marked out for this, but haven’t actually been part of one. It sounds a good idea, though.