Overcoming loneliness one cuppa at a time

The free Café at Bideford Library, part of Libraries Unlimited, provides a safe space for people who may be feeling lonely or be experiencing other challenges to enjoy a simple lunch, but most importantly to meet other people.

Will, a Chatty Café regular, credits it with easing his loneliness and having a major impact on his wellbeing. He retired to Bideford after working overseas for many years. His few relatives had all died. “The stress and loneliness of Covid left deep scars on many single people," he says. "Adding the Chatty Café and library to my weekly routine has had a positive effect, and I have recommended it to others. They even provided gluten-free soup for me. I felt quite moved by that kindness. Individually these caring gestures are helpful, but collectively they have had a powerful accumulative effect that is emotionally healing.”

33-year-old Cindy has been using Bideford Library with her children for many years. She then joined Chatty Café because she felt she needed some time for herself. “I suffer with mental health issues and I feel as though I can go to Chatty Café no matter what I have going on and there would be someone there to listen to me if I ever needed to talk," she says.

Joyce has been volunteering with Bideford Library’s Chatty Cafe project for over a year. She helps to set up the tables and clear away. “My husband died two years ago," Joyce says. "Around the same time my son moved to Plymouth and I was sat on my own in my flat. I’m learning to be on my own which is very hard. I’m the youngest of 13 children and have always had family around me. It’s been difficult. Coming to the Chatty Café has been absolutely brilliant. Better than a bag of gold!”