Chatting is such a simple concept, but so important for mental and physical health.
Toukley and District Art Society (TADAS) have chosen to become a Chatty Café venue, joining a national scheme to reduce loneliness and social isolation. Initially, TADAS will begin this venture with a table available on Wednesday afternoons, from 1pm-3pm, with a visit to our Chatty Café certainly brightening your day!
The added bonus for anyone who would enjoy a coffee and chat with us, will be the opportunity to take a look at our new art exhibition, along with the many beautiful crafts, cards and gifts.
Chatty Café is an ACNC (The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission) providing opportunities for people who may be lonely or socially isolated, to meet other customers or participants who also want to “have a chat”. These venues can include art galleries, cafes restaurants, libraries, aged care residences, retirement villages and the list goes on.
The Chatty Café encourages hospitality and other social venues all around the country. There are now over 200 places participating, with Toukley Art Society being the first on the Central Coast. https://chattycafeaustralia.org.au/venue/toukley-and-district-art-society/
The idea is to provide a shared table where people can sit, enjoy refreshments if they like and simply “have a chat”.
The scheme was set up with the aim of reducing loneliness, as the social and health benefits of interaction are so well documented.
Venues who join, will receive welcoming yellow table signs stating, “This is a chatty table”. The seats at this table are for customers who are happy to chat with other customers or perhaps a volunteer who may be just waiting to “have a chat”.
Venue operators/staff members place a sign on the table, on a day or time of their choosing, with some venues having a permanent table.
Often Chatty volunteers make themselves available to welcome newcomers.
Everyone is welcome. People can be on their own, as a couple, a carer, with the person they care for, friends, family and everything in between. Everyone is invited!
For more information on Chatty Café, please visit www.chattycafeaustralia.org.au