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Chatty Cafe Scheme to Combat Loneliness

Published on: May 2024

Record: HANSARD-1323879322-140437

Chatty Cafe Scheme to Combat Loneliness

Ms FELICITY WILSON (North Shore)

—Speaker today I want to acknowledge the wonderful efforts of the Chatty Cafe Scheme, whose mission is to combat loneliness. As loneliness is a growing concern across Australia, certain individuals and organisations have risen to the challenge of minimising loneliness and its effects in our community. I would like to thank the fantastic collaborators of this initiative; Chatty Cafe Australia, OneAnother, Mosman Council, and the Mosman Chamber of Commerce, who have partnered with local cafes, restaurants and community venues, for their sincere interest in bettering our community here in the north shore. Mosman consists of 30 percent lone-person households. One conversation can make someone's day, and the Chatty Cafe Tables are a fantastic step towards minimising loneliness. The initiative is dedicated to enhancing social connections through the power of a simple conversation. This is achieved through fostering spaces conducive to meaningful interactions, where individuals feel comfortable to converse and connect with others. Thank you to all involved. With your help, we as a community can work towards minimising loneliness, one conversation at a time.