Simpsons Garden Centre in Inverness joins Chatty Cafe scheme as it introduces weekly Chatter and Natter table
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An Inverness garden centre is introducing a weekly Chatter and Natter table to its restaurant in a bid to get people chatting and reduce loneliness.
The invitation for people to join in is being issued by Simpsons Inverness which has joined the Chatty Cafe scheme.
It aims to bring together people of all ages every Friday between 9.30am and 10.30am.
The UK Chatty Cafe scheme was founded by Alexandra Hoskyn after a miserable day with her young son at a supermarket cafe where she noticed that no one was talking to each other.
She found that by putting Chatter and Natter signs on cafe tables, it created a space for people to talk.
Talking will help to beat loneliness
Simpsons restaurant manager Mike Dignan hoped introducing the scheme at the garden centre would help bring people together.
“The Chatter and Natter tables are a great way to enable people to get together and just have a conversation – something we’ve all missed over the last few years,” he said.
“We know how important having a simple interaction can be for many people and can often make someone’s day.
“Coming into a busy restaurant can sometimes be a bit daunting.
“However, by having an open and friendly table where anyone can join in is a positive step for everyone.
“We’re looking forward to getting people together for a lovely chat every Friday, whether they are young or old, on their own or with a partner or someone they care for.
“Anyone wishing to sit at our chatter and natter tables is very welcome and all they have to do is join the table once they have their food or drink.
“We’ll also have a team member available every week to join in the conversation.”
Anyone is welcome to join the table – people on their own, in a couple, with a friend, carers with the person they care for, parents or grandparents with babies.
“It’s a great way to meet new people in your community,” Mr Dignan said.
