A NEW scheme to tackle loneliness and get people talking has arrived in a café in Winsford.

The Chatty Café scheme, first set up near Manchester and fast spreading across the country encourages strangers to sit together at designated 'Chatter and Natter' tables in public cafes.

The Chatterbox Café in Winsford is the first in the region to join the scheme and it is hoped that others will follow.

Jackie Brown, Brightlife social prescribing co-ordinator for Winsford, said: "It's a great way to get people together who might otherwise be too shy to strike up a conversation. A friendly chat can really make a difference when you're feeling lonely, whether it’s a five-minute natter over a cuppa or an hour-long heart-to-heart."

The Chatterbox Café is based in New Images Community and Youth Centre in Winsford and is open from 10am to 1.30pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Brightlife is also running a new drop-in session and social club at the cafe on Tuesdays between 10.30am and 12.30pm, for anyone wanting to find out more about activities, events and services in Winsford.

Drop in and ask for Jackie Brown or Ange Hamlett-Orme or call Brightlife on 01606 884444 for more information.