Helping Hands Home Care Stroud are hosting a 'Chatty Café' in branch to combat loneliness and help local people create stronger connections.

The first Chatty Café will take place this Wednesday (February 23) from 2-4pm at Unit 11a Cornhill Shopping Centre, 13 Union Street, Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL5 2HE.

The branch is wheelchair friendly and there will be hot and cold drinks and plenty of cakes available on the day.

The Chatty Café scheme was launched in 2017 to provide 'Chatter and Natter tables' in cafes where customers could sit if they were happy to talk to other customers. Now over 1,400 venues in the UK are signed up to the scheme, with Helping Hands Stroud joining cafes, pubs, libraries and hospitals to reduce loneliness and get people chatting.

Deborah Farrington, branch care manager, said: "Ever since we opened our branch in Stroud in March 2021, we have been overwhelmed by the kindness and support shown by the local community. When we heard about the Chatty Café scheme we knew it would be the perfect fit in our branch!

"We deliver care in people's home each and every day, and companionship is such a vital role in the support we provide, so we know the importance of a simple conversation. Which is why we're so excited to host the Chatty Café, a space open to the whole community, including our carers, customers and their loved ones."

The first Chatty Café event in the branch will take place this Wednesday, with plans to host once every 2 months. But if the scheme proves popular in the community of Stroud, the home care team will increase it to once a month.

If you would like to find out more information about the Chatty Café in Helping Hands Stroud, please call the branch 01453 703469 or email hvsstroud@helpinghands.co.uk.