The Chatty Café Scheme, a community initiative that started in Oldham a decade ago, is launching new weekly sessions at the Toby Carvery in Chadderton and is calling for local volunteers to help combat loneliness.

Marking its 10th anniversary this year, the scheme has partnered with Mitchells & Butlers, the company that runs Toby Carvery, to expand its Chatter & Natter tables across the country. The latest venue to join is the popular family restaurant on Burnley Lane in Chadderton, which is preparing to host regular sessions where people can sit down for a friendly chat over a brew.

Founded by Alex Hoskyn from Uppermill in 2017, the non-profit initiative now boasts 900 locations nationwide and has helped over 30,000 people. The concept is simple: a dedicated table where anyone can join for conversation without any pressure or membership. The Chadderton sessions will follow this model, welcoming residents of all ages who are looking to connect with others in their community.

To make these sessions a success, the Toby Carvery is seeking volunteer hosts to run the table. Volunteers need only spare a couple of hours once a week to welcome guests, talk to strangers, and keep the conversation flowing. The role is ideal for warm, approachable individuals who enjoy helping others feel included and want to make a difference in their local area.

Martin Nelson, Divisional Director for the Restaurants Division at Mitchells & Butlers, highlighted the importance of the partnership. “Hospitality is, at its heart, about making people feel welcome and our pubs have traditionally been at the heart of the community,” he said. “By partnering with The Chatty Cafe Scheme, we’re using our scale and our spaces to help address loneliness, one of the biggest social challenges facing communities today. Whether it’s over a coffee in the morning or a cuppa in the afternoon, we want our pubs and restaurants to be welcoming spaces where people feel comfortable coming in on their own and leaving feeling part of something. We look forward to welcoming local people to our Toby Carvery restaurants in Chadderton.”

Alex Hoskyn, founder of the Chatty Café Scheme, emphasised the impact of these simple acts of conversation. “The simple act of sharing a table and conversation can help people go from feeling ‘invisible to visible’,” she said. “The new Chadderton sessions will welcome anyone looking for a friendly chat, with no age barrier, pressure to attend or membership required. We look forward to this weekly session getting started soon.”

Loneliness is a growing concern in many communities, and initiatives like this provide a vital lifeline for those feeling isolated. For Oldham residents, the new Chatter & Natter table in Chadderton offers a chance to meet new people, share stories, and build connections in a relaxed, welcoming environment. The sessions are open to all, whether you’re a regular at the restaurant or someone looking for a friendly face.

To become a volunteer host or to find your nearest Chatter & Natter table, visit the Chatty Café Scheme website at www.thechattycafescheme.co.uk for more details.