Chatty Café has returned for the year at Goonawarra Neighbourhood House.
The program, run weekly at the house, offers an opportunity for house participants to form connections and reduce social isolation, over a cuppa and a chat.
Goonawarra Neighbourhood House manager Isabella Rosinsky said participants have formed bonds and friendships that have resulted in outings to lunches and even theatre shows in the city.
“It’s heartwarming to see the interactions and support they give one another,” she said.
“If someone is missing one week, the others will get on to them to make sure they’re okay.”
Ms Rosinsky said the weekly activity means a lot to the community and the neighbourhood house.
“It’s amazing how something as simple as adding a dining table and chairs can make so much difference to how people interact with the house,” she said.
“When I started out at Gonnawarra Neighbourhood House there was a big empty space beside the kitchen and some awkward bench seating along the walls that nobody sat on.
“By bringing in a dining table and chairs we have provided a space for people to share their meals and for the Chatty Café program to gather.
“Sometimes it’s just a space where a house user can stop for a coffee and a chat when they’ve had a tough week. The dining table has made the space much more homely and has turned it into a lively hub for people to gather.”
Chatty Café runs every Tuesday,from 10am to noon, and anyone is welcome to join.
Details: goonawarranh.com.au/
