CAERPHILLY county borough council is doing its bit to help address problems with isolation and loneliness in the community by supporting an initiative that helps get more people talking.

The council’s Cabinet has become the first in Wales to get behind a scheme where local cafes, pubs and restaurants are encouraged to set aside a special space for a ‘Chatter and Natter’ table to be located.

A Chatter and Natter table has a special sign inviting customers to sit there if they are happy to talk to other customers.

The scheme is part of the national Chatty Cafe initiative and hopes to bring more people together.

Cllr Carl Cuss, Caerphilly’s Cabinet Member for Social Services has welcomed the move.

He said: “We fully support this worthwhile initiative to help address the loneliness epidemic that affects so many people in our society. We all have a role to play in improving the quality of life for vulnerable and lonely people in our communities and we hope see this take off and be embraced in establishments across the area.

“Let’s all sit down, share a cuppa and create a county borough wide conversation.”

The Caerphilly Over 50 forum and the Parent Network will be working with the council and local establishments over the coming weeks to encourage them to sign up to the scheme. The council will also promote the initiative to staff and urge employees to play their part in helping to make the scheme a success.

More information can be found at https://thechattycafescheme.co.uk/