The Chatty Cafe scheme, fighting loneliness, expands from Andover to Winchester, creating connections and friendships.
Deanne Ingram, who manages care at Visiting Angels, said things are going well. The Test Valley Mayor and Mayoress attended the launch and visited with Deanne and Felicia Kondua.
The Winchester location opened on February 4, following the Andover launch, which also had the Mayor and Mayoress in attendance. More people with learning issues now attend, and Deanne said the scheme matters a lot considering they are at high risk of loneliness.
Two lonely women met at the Winchester cafe. They traded contact info to meet again, demonstrating how the scheme helps people build friendships fast. Getting to know each other helps communities.
Deanne hopes for more Chatty Cafes in Hampshire. They seek volunteers to expand activities. Visiting Angels offers care worldwide, and they train caregivers for home care delivery.
Felicia Kondua directs Visiting Angels Hampshire. The Chatty Cafe brings people together nearby to help fight loneliness and isolation.
Andover’s Cafe Nero hosts Chatty Cafe Thursdays from 2 PM to 3:30 PM on High Street. Winchester’s Cafe Nero has it Tuesdays from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM on High Street.