Have a chat at the Torquay Community House

A SUCCESSFUL launch of the Have a Chat table at the Torquay Community House (TCH) last week has prompted organisers to make it a weekly event.

The final event in a series for October’s Mental Health Month that was supported by the Surf Coast Shire, the community table is a comfortable social space at TCH where people can sit and have a chat for as long or as little as they choose.

“Everyone is welcome…people on their own, in a couple, with a friend, carers, parents with babies and kids, grandparents, people with disabilities and of all ages and choices,” TCH co-ordinator Prue Challis said.

The table is part of the global Chatty Cafe Scheme that aims to get people talking to build and encourage social connections within the local community, and to help reduce social isolation and loneliness.

“Our experience of the pandemic has highlighted the negative impact that social isolation and loneliness can have on mental and physical health,” Ms Challis said.

“Research indicates one in four people experience a sense of loneliness and social dis-connection every week.”

Torquay Community House is a space where people can have simple interactions that can brighten their day, “and we want to build on that”, she said.

“We want to bring people of all ages and backgrounds together to stay socially connected to their community by chatting…it’s that simple.

The TCH is also putting out a call for Chatty Volunteers to sit at the Have a Chat table on Mondays between 10.30am and noon to help kick-start conversations and encourage more visitors to the table.

People who are interested in volunteering or are seeking more information can get in touch by phoning Prue Challis on 5261 2583 or heading to chattycafeaustralia.org.au