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Chatty café scheme launched in Harrogate to tackle loneliness

Thursday, 27 March 2025 07:27

Colleen Gruenwald and Katrina Rickert at the launch of Harrogate's Chatty Café. (All images: Gerard Binks Photography)

A new 'Chatty Café' scheme has been launched in Harrogate to tackle loneliness in the community.

Set to be held every week at The Saints Coffee, the café aims to encourage people of all ages to talk to others.

A ‘chatter and natter’ table within the cafe on St Winifred’s Avenue will be hosted by a volunteer to facilitate conversation every Wednesday between 2pm and 3:30pm.

The scheme is the UK's leading non-profit organisation tackling loneliness, with support from Alana Care Solutions.

A launch event was held at The Saints Coffee yesterday (Wednesday) thanks to owner Katrina Rickert.

Colleen Gruenwald, who helped start the scheme in Harrogate, said:

“I go to the Saints Café most Saturdays after doing parkrun and after watching how Kat appreciate her clientele, I saw that she clearly loves supporting others.

“I approached her to ask if she would be willing to host a chatty coffee within her premises and she leapt at the chance!”

Colleen added:

“Chatty Cafe isn’t just for people who may feel a bit lonely or isolated, it’s for anyone who wants to come along - they don’t have to buy something, they can just come and join in.”

Find out more about Chatty Café Schemes across the UK online here.

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