Widow says Chatty Cafe trips with strangers are a lifesaver

James Ogier has attended the Chatty Cafe in Brackley for three and a half years.

“Once I came, I kept coming back. It’s incredibly rewarding,” he said.

“I’ve made so many friends, I’ve met so many people. It’s been lovely, it’s just a relaxing afternoon.

“We’re very supportive of anyone who wants to join.”

The founder of the Chatty Cafe scheme, Alex Hoskyn, was inspired to set it up after she went into a cafe with her newborn son and saw groups of people inside sat in silence.

“It got me thinking, would there be any opportunity for a table where people could sit together if they wanted to,” she said.

“Volunteers are the key, It’s having someone at the table that people see as a friendly face that makes the difference.

“The Brackley Chatty Cafe is the most attended in the UK, with 80 people going each week.

“I think because Jon’s put so much effort in within the community to spread the word about it.”

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